Myocardial infarction following fluorescein angiography: a case report and review of the literature - Report - MDSpire

Myocardial infarction following fluorescein angiography: a case report and review of the literature

  • By

  • Maram El-Geneidy

  • Akhila Alapati

  • Radwan S. Ajlan

  • May 18, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Following Fluorescein Angiography

Overview

This report describes a rare case of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) following fluorescein angiography in a 76-year-old woman. It highlights the need for clinical vigilance and preparedness for managing serious complications associated with this common ophthalmic procedure.

Background

Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a widely used diagnostic tool for assessing retinal vasculature, but it carries a risk of serious adverse reactions, including myocardial infarction. Understanding the potential for such complications is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and effective management during and after the procedure.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 76-year-old woman developed NSTEMI shortly after undergoing fluorescein angiography.
  • She had a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • Cardiac catheterization revealed an occlusion of the right coronary artery.
  • Possible mechanisms for NSTEMI included allergic-mediated coronary vasospasm or catecholamine release.
  • Severe complications from FA are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
  • Thorough patient counseling and institutional readiness are essential for managing emergencies related to FA.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for serious cardiovascular events following fluorescein angiography, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions. Adequate patient counseling and emergency preparedness are vital to mitigate risks associated with this procedure.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring patients during fluorescein angiography and highlights the need for readiness to address acute complications such as NSTEMI.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2020 -- Prognostic and Functional Insights from Remote Myocardial Strain Analysis Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
  2. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Case Report: A newly identified cause of ST-segment elevation in lead aVR
  3. European Radiology, 2023 -- Distinguishing Acute Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction from Infarct-like Myocarditis through Visual Pattern Analysis: A Comparative Study of Various Cardiac MRI Techniques
  4. Fluorescein Angiography - EyeWiki -- Safety signal and mechanism
  5. 2025 Guideline for Acute Coronary Syndromes - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
  6. European Radiology — Multiparametric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Without Contrast Enhances Detection of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and Structural Impairment Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
  7. Safety signal and mechanism of fluorescein angiography
  8. 2025 Guideline for Acute Coronary Syndromes
  9. Does P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy Reduce NACE, Bleeding in Patients With ACS After PCI? - American College of Cardiology

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