Rare case of coronary spastic angina during treatment of invasive group A streptococcal sepsis

Abstract

The underlying mechanisms of coronary spastic angina (CSA) is not well understood. It is unclear if an infection can trigger coronary vasospasm; the co-occurrence of sepsis and CSA has rarely been reported. We describe the case of a 47-year-old man who suddenly developed a complete atrioventricular block and an episode of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for sepsis secondary to invasive group A streptococci. Emergency coronary angiography and provocation revealed spasm of the right coronary artery, which had led to the atrioventricular block. The spasm was relieved following administration of calcium-channel blockade, and no subsequent recurrence was documented. Due to several underlying mechanisms, sepsis may be a potential risk factor of coronary spasm and episodes of this condition have been missed or misdiagnosed. Physicians should be aware of CSA as a potential complication during treatment of sepsis.