A lethal complication after coronary angiography in a patient with ehlers-danlos syndrome

A 51-year-old manwith Ehlers-Danlos syndrome presented to our emergency department with the chief complaint of chest tightness. The patient was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, due to his crescendo pattern of typical angina without elevated troponin-I, which was managed with dual-antiplatelet agents and intravenous heparinization. However, the symptoms persisted, and coronary angiography was performed smoothly via the left radial artery with manual compression applied for wound closure. Nonetheless, a left arm hematoma with compartment syndrome due to delayed arterial leakage developed, which was treated with an emergency fasciotomy. Three days later, during general anesthesia for surgical wound closure, extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred due to a remarkable fluctuation of blood pressure. The patient remained comatose in the following months. This case suggests that the undertaking of an endovascular procedure should be reserved for life-threatening scenarios to avoid any life-threatening complications for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, especially the vascular type. Moreover, prolonged manual direct compression or trans-radial band may be mandatory for post-angiographic hemostasis.