Background:
Cardiocerebral infarction (CCI) is a rare entity that refers to the simultaneous occurrence of acute myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. The management of CCI patients remains unclear.
Case description:
An 86-year-old woman with a medical history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented with a sudden onset of consciousness disturbance and right hemiplegia. Computed tomography of the head revealed no intracranial hemorrhage but the left hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign, associated with ST-segment elevation in II, III, and aVF noted on a routine 12-lead electrocardiogram at admission. The patient was immediately brought to the catheterization laboratory and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed first, followed by mechanical thrombectomy, resulting in successful revascularization of the both diseases.
Conclusion:
Although the treatment strategy of CCI may depend on the condition of coronary and cerebral ischemia, it may be appropriate to prioritize coronary angiography and PCI if not acute ischemic stroke is critical.