Myocardial infarction and tuberculosis.

ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a critical illness with a high mortality rate. Cases of AMI accompanied by active tuberculosis are rarely reported. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an important procedure in the treatment of ST-elevation AMI; it can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life and reduce mortality. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications are administered before, during, and after PCI. However, for patients with ST-elevation AMI accompanied by active tuberculosis, anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy may lead to pulmonary haemorrhage, haemoptysis, and serious treatment difficulties. Some authors even regard pulmonary tuberculosis as a contraindication of PCI. In this study, we have reported 3 patients with ST-elevation AMI accompanied by active tuberculosis who underwent PCI at our hospital between July 2007 to September 2010, and obtained satisfactory outcomes.