Acute Embolic Myocardial Infarction Related to Atrial Fibrillation: Case Report

Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke fivefold, while other systemic embolisms are less common. The incidence of myocardial infarction due to coronary embolism ranges between 4-5%. Atrial fibrillation related coronary embolism remains an underappreciated cause of acute coronary syndromes.

We present the case of a 66-year-old male with well-controlled hypertension and untreated atrial fibrillation. He arrived at the emergency department with acute chest pain, which was diagnosed as an inferior myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed a high thrombotic burden in the right coronary artery without any underlying atherosclerosis. The patient was treated with antithrombotic therapy, and a follow-up coronary angiography 48 hours later showed satisfactory results. He was counseled on the importance of adherence to treatment and the need for long-term follow-up.