Concurrent acute myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke in a diabetic patient undergoing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Should I administer thrombolytic therapy? A case report

We have described a rare case of concurrent AIS and STEMI in a postmenopausal woman who had a significant risk of thromboembolism. The patient had uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and received CHOP chemotherapy for NHL, which was diagnosed 3 weeks prior. This case underscores the need for thromboembolic prophylaxis for selected cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The need to individualize management is also emphasized, as both PCI and thrombolysis carry the risk of serious repercussions. In our patient, if thrombolysis was attempted it would have caused myocardial rupture and immediate death. The patient would have benefited from endovascular mechanical embolectomy for AIS; however, this practice is lacking at our institution. This calls for the establishment and strengthening of neurointerventional practices in our tertiary healthcare facilities.