Chronic lymphocytic leukemia involving the coronary arteries with accompanying acute myocardial infarction

An 83-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for 10 years presented with dyspnea and hypotension. Blood investigations and electrocardiogram were consistent with acute myocardial infarction. The patient deteriorated quickly and died shortly thereafter. At autopsy, there was severe atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries and an inferolateral left ventricular wall myocardial infarct. Microscopy showed that CLL involved the nodes, liver, spleen, bowel, and kidneys. The coronary artery walls were infiltrated with leukemia cells invading the tunica media and the atheromatous plaque. Infiltration of the coronary arteries by CLL is not common and the possible role in coronary syndromes is discussed.