Acute myocardial infarction and transient elevated anticardiolipin antibody in a young adult with possible familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report

Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can lead to premature coronary heart disease. Anticardiolipin antibody may be a contributor for thrombosis. Here, we report an adult with possible FH suffered from premature myocardial infarction that may be triggered by transient increased anticardiolipin antibody. Case presentation A 29-year-old male had presented with a history of 2-h chest pain and numbness of left upper arm before 5 days. The electrocardiogram (ECG) had demonstrated inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Five days later he was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as acute MI and possible FH (premature coronary heart disease, low density lipoprotein cholesterol of 5.90 mmol/L) with increased anticardiolipin antibody (up to 120 RU/ml). Other auto-antibodies including [beta]2-glicoprotein antibodies IgM, IgA, IgG, lupus anticoagulant (LA), antinuclear antibodies, anti-myocardial antibody were normal. Coronary artery angiography (CAG) showed right coronary artery was total occlusion from the middle segment. Then he underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with a stent. Four days later, he was discharged with complete recovery. CAG showed intra-stent restenosis and anticardiolipin antibody level was normal and the patient had no any symptoms at 6-month follow-up. Conclusions Transient elevated anticardiolipin antibody may be a trigger or biomarker of cardiac thrombotic events in younger atherosclerotic patients. Keywords: Familial hypercholesterolemia, Thrombosis, Myocardial infarction, Anticardiolipin antibody