Journal of Thrombosis and Circulation: Open Access

Abstract

Recurrent ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Adem Adar, Fahri Cakan, Orhan Onalan and Sercan Okutucu

Increased atherosclerosis and thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly cause cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction. Mechanism of myocardial infarction is different: Some immunological and genetic causes such as antiphospholipid syndrome, increased inflammation, immune complexes, elevated homocysteine level and Factor V Leiden mutation, play pivotal role in this group of patients. So its treatment shows difference too. Anticoagulant drugs are not recommended for treatment of myocardial infarction in current practice however, main treatment protocol should contain oral anticoagulants such as warfarin after myocardial infarction in this group of patients. Herein, we present a 30 year old SLE patient with recurrent STelevation myocardial infarction due to lack of oral anticoagulant treatment. With the initiation of anticoagulation, the patient has not experienced myocardial infarction again. In this case, we underline the importance of oral anticoagulant therapy after myocardial infarction in patients with SLE.