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A Case of Caffeine-Induced Coronary Artery Vasospasm of a 17-Year-Old Male

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Abstract

The intentional consumption and use of stimulants, such as caffeine, are known to have numerous interactions with the human cardiovascular system. Ex vivo studies have shown caffeine-induced vasoconstriction of coronary arteries (Forman et al. in Ann Emerg Med 29:178–180, 1997). We report on a case of a 17-year-old male who presented with angina and an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) concerning for ST elevation myocardial infarct. He was found to have diffuse ECG changes and markedly elevated cardiac enzymes. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function as well as segmental wall motion abnormalities consistent with an ischemic insult. The patient admitted to consuming near lethal doses of caffeine immediately preceding his angina. He was diagnosed with coronary vasospasms as a result of stimulant use. During hospitalization, ECG changes resolved, cardiac enzymes started trending downward, and LV systolic function returned to normal, all consistent with stunned myocardium that fully recovered. This case strongly suggests that overuse of stimulants, such as caffeine, should be considered in patients presenting with coronary vasospasms, particularly in teenagers and young adults.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Florida-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Ryan E. Wilson, Herman S. Kado, Rohan Samson & Alan B. Miller

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  1. Ryan E. Wilson
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  2. Herman S. Kado
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  3. Rohan Samson
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  4. Alan B. Miller
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Correspondence to Ryan E. Wilson.

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Wilson, R.E., Kado, H.S., Samson, R. et al. A Case of Caffeine-Induced Coronary Artery Vasospasm of a 17-Year-Old Male. Cardiovasc Toxicol 12, 175–179 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-011-9152-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-011-9152-9

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