Recurrent Myocardial Infarction in a Patient With Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a form of acquired hemolytic anemia with a high incidence of thrombotic complications, generally in the venous district; arterial thrombosis is rare, and exceptional in the coronary tree. We describe the case of a man who had two episodes of myocardial infarction, both during a hemoglobinuric crisis; this patient was free from cardiovascular risk factors and angiography revealed that there was no coronary stenosis. The clinical course was favorable and the patient's response to thrombolytic and dicumarol therapy was satisfactory. To our knowledge, this is the second case of coronary involvement in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria described in the literature.