A Case of Recurrent Coronary Artery Restenosis Associated with Suspected Arteritis in a Young Woman

Abstract

Approximately 5% of patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) do not have atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) but present other factors responsible for luminal narrowing. A 24-year-old woman presented with angina and AMI without any known risk factors and recurrent coronary restenosis in the 7 year-follow-up period. Thorough tests revealed no suggestive factors besides increased amounts of tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukins. A diagnosis of arteritis was suspected. Therefore, glucocorticoid and immunosuppressor administration was performed, and the patient’s condition was relieved. Severe coronary artery disease with smooth distal coronary vessels in a young female without apparent risk factors could suggest a non-atherosclerotic etiology.