Management of acute myocardial infarction in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, the value of optical coherence tomography: a case report

BACKGROUND : Treating myocardial infarction in the setting of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is always a challenge especially if the platelet count is labile. Cardiologists dealing with such patients should keep a delicate balance between thrombotic and bleeding complications. CASE SUMMARY : A 50-year-old gentleman with treatment-challenging ITP presented with acute inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction after receiving recent intravenous immunoglobulin. Using optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance, it was decided to treat him with percutaneous old balloon angioplasty especially with the labile nature of his platelet count. Subsequently, dual antiplatelet therapy was a challenge and he remained on clopidogrel for a period of only 10 weeks. CONCLUSION : This case highlights the rare presentation of patients with ITP with thrombotic complications and the usefulness of OCT in formulating a management plan.