Work

A case of acute pericarditis developing early after intravascular lithotripsy for a severely calcified coronary lesion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Post-cardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) is an inflammatory condition triggered by pericardial or myocardial injury, even when the preceding trauma is minimal. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in treating heavily calcified coronary lesions; however, rare complications may occur. An 89-year-old man previously underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a left main bifurcation lesion using the T and small protrusion technique. Follow-up angiography revealed disease involving both the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries. IVL was performed for lesion preparation, after which intravascular ultrasound demonstrated subepicardial hematoma formation. Shortly after the procedure, the patient developed pleuritic chest pain accompanied by diffuse ST-segment elevation and elevation of inflammatory markers and cardiac troponin. Based on the clinical presentation, electrocardiographic findings, and laboratory results, a diagnosis of PCIS was established. Symptoms and inflammatory abnormalities resolved promptly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. We report a rare case of PCIS that developed after the use of IVL for a calcified coronary lesion.

Source: Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine Interesting Cases

DOI: 10.1016/j.crmic.2026.100143

Authors: Hirokazu Nishido, Shuichi Yoneda, Teruo Noguchi

Institution: National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center

Language: English

Topic: Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $920