Acute proximal left anterior descending thrombosis manifested by persistent hiccups

INTRODUCTION: Hiccup is usually a benign and self-limited phenomenon. Therefore, if hiccups do not resolve by themselves and even last for a long time, it may be the marker of serious medical conditions. PATIENT CONCERNS: We encountered a case presenting with recurrent abdominal discomfort. Diffuse ST-segment elevation in V2-V6 and elevated Troponin I was identified. He had complained about constipation and incomplete intestinal obstruction was ever suspected. Four days later, he exhibited persistent hiccups. DIAGNOSIS: He was diagnosed with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. And elective coronary angiography showed that proximal left anterior descending (LAD) was occluded by fresh thrombus with TIMI 1 flow. INTERVENTIONS: The lesion in proximal LAD was dilated with low pressure. Interestingly, the hiccups reduced. And after stent implantation the hiccup disappeared in 24 hours. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged in good general condition, with maintenance therapy and a follow-up protocol. CONCLUSION: Hiccup is only rarely described in the context of acute proximal LAD thrombosis. However, if this special symptom occurs intractably during disease progression, thrombus is revealed to be the probable cause, prompt opening of the criminal vessel should be performed besides strengthening of anticoagulant and antiplatelet.