ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, severe anemia and nonobstructive coronary disease: case report and brief comment.

When the metabolic demand of the heart exceeds its oxygen supply, myocardial ischemia or infarction (MI) may occur. One of the causes of this condition is severe anemia. The type of MI associated with cases of supply-demand myocardial mismatch is usually a non-ST elevation infarction (Non-STEMI), and is most commonly seen in patients with underlying coronary artery disease. We present a case report of ST segment elevation MI (STEMI), which we believe was secondary to severe anemia, occurring in the absence of angiographically significant coronary artery stenosis or thrombosis. Coronary artery spasm was not seen. In our review of the literature we found no similar cases (MEDLINE 1966-2002).