Department of Medicine, Mohamed V of Rabat, Morocco
Received Date: 17/10/2023; Published Date: 18/03/2024
*Corresponding author: Bouazaze Marouane, Department of Medicine, Mohamed V of Rabat, Morocco
Coronary artery disease, a leading global cause of death, is commonly associated with the elderly. However, it is increasingly affecting younger individuals due to lifestyle changes, smoking, and the early onset of comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, the misuse of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) remains prevalent, despite their widely recognized harmful effects.
We present the case of a 20-year-old man who experienced sudden chest pain at rest, with a history of significant AAS abuse over two months.
Anabolic steroids, which are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, were originally developed as therapeutic supplements for various medical conditions. In numerous countries, they are employed to increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance [1]. The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has been linked to a range of cardiovascular side effects and is associated with heart toxicity [2].
Case reports commonly highlight acute myocardial infarction (MI), but a subset of individuals also experiences various other cardiovascular effects, including left ventricular hypertrophy, reduced left ventricular function, arterial thrombosis, and even instances of sudden cardiac death [3].
Here, we present the case of a 20-year-old man who presented with sudden chest pain and had a history of significant AAS abuse over two months.
This is a 70-year-old patient with FDRCVx: type 2 diabetes of recent discovery, without any particular ATCD. Admitted to an inferobasal STEMI array, he was immediately given a loading dose of aspirin and Clopidogrel, and then had successful thrombolysis with tenecteplase. 24 hours later, he developed hemoptoid sputum. On physical examination, it was apyretic, hemodynamically stable with BP: 140/75 mmhg, HR: 75 BPM, eupneic with RF: 18 cpm, Sp02: 98% in ambient air.
Pulmonary auscultation revealed crackling rattles limited to the pulmonary bases more pronounced on the right, with no signs of heart failure.
Chest X-ray has objectified bilateral alveolar infiltrates. At the same time, the laboratory work-up showed a decrease in HB levels from 16.6 g/dl to 15 g/dl, with normal platelet and white blood cell counts.
Faced with this context of haemoptoid sputum with a drop in HB levels, bilateral alveolar infiltrates on chest x-ray, the most likely diagnosis was that of alveolar hemorrhage.
Chest CT showed foci of alveolar condensation strongly suggestive of alveolar hemorrhage (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Coronary angiography showing the presence of a systolic narrowing (myocardial bridging) of the distal left anterior descending artery.
Anabolic steroids exert a range of effects on the cardiovascular system. These effects include the development of atherosclerosis, systemic hypertension, impairment of diastolic and systolic ventricular function, and disruptions in lipid metabolism, all of which have been documented in cases of anabolic steroid abuse. Additionally, heightened platelet activity is observed in individuals using these substances, which may contribute to the occurrence of Myocardial Infarctions (MI) and potentially even strokes [3] .
Numerous instances exist of young athletes who have abused androgenic anabolic steroids, experiencing cardiovascular issues such as MI or thrombosis in various vessels, including the renal artery [4].
Another consequence of prolonged androgenic anabolic steroid abuse is left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, which can increase the risk of sudden death in affected individuals [5]. Pathological investigations in these cases have revealed thickening of small arteriole walls and intimal hyperplasia, factors that could be responsible for ischemic damage to the heart muscles and subsequent impairment of ventricular function [6].
Furthermore, the use of anabolic steroids can induce acute hyperhomocysteinemia, leading to associated thrombotic events [7].A increased level of homocysteine could be seen with lower HDL concentration, higher plasma LDL, and triglycerides.
Elevated homocysteine levels are often accompanied by lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations, higher levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. Homocysteine is a sulfhydryl amino acid not typically found in natural human diets, and it can be toxic to endothelial cells, promoting the proliferation of smooth muscle in vessel walls and affecting the coagulation process [8, 9]. High levels of homocysteine have been associated with multivessel coronary artery disease and acute MI [10] . Anabolic steroids may interfere with the absorption of vitamins B6 and B12, potentially resulting in elevated homocysteine levels [11] . This effect might explain the elevated homocysteine levels in our patient, possibly contributing to stenosis and thrombosis.
The varied spectrum of steroid profiles and the unclear risk associated with each specific agent, along with variations in dosing, make it challenging to assess the risk for this particular patient population. Additionally, the off-label use of both animal and human compounds, coupled with the lack of regulation regarding concentration doses during production, further complicates the interpretation of the clinical risks [12].
While the administration of folate supplements may be debated, a more favorable approach involves normalizing plasma homocysteine levels through a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fresh fruits, along with moderate exercise [8]. High-dose vitamin B6 and folic acid administration after an acute MI does not reduce the risk of death of the recurrence of cardiovascular disease [13]. In fact, it may potentially harm myocardial repair and increase morbidity and mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease.
It is imperative for healthcare providers to remain vigilant about the potential for anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse in young athletes, particularly when significant reductions in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are evident.
Individuals, especially athletes and those adhering to specific dietary regimens, should be under the supervision of a medical professional to closely monitor both the immediate and long-term consequences of the chemical and biological substances they may be using.
Consequently, it is crucial to launch educational campaigns aimed at enhancing public awareness regarding the severe cardiovascular complications associated with AAS abuse, with the goal of discouraging its usage.