Prinzmetal's variant angina

Prinzmetal’s variant angina during laparoscopy: a case report of vasospasm in the context of cardiac arrest

We report the case of a 43-year-old male patient who experienced cardiac arrest during two elective laparoscopies for cholecystectomy. The first procedure was prematurely interrupted after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) while the other was continued under intravenous (IV) perfusion of nitrates (isosorbide dinitrate). At each time, after a cycle of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and injection of atropine 0.5 mg, sinus rhythm was restored. Only 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) outlines were recorded, showing ST-elevation in lead II. During the first incident, a coronary angiography was performed showing a vasospasm of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, reversible upon intracoronary injection of nitrates. ECG during catheterization showed ST-elevation in the anterior coronary territory. Calcium-channel blockers (CCB) were prescribed, and oral nitrates were added after the second episode. Cardiovascular prevention consisted in smoking cessation, aspirin and statins. Reporting this case seems to be relevant due to its unusual presentation: Prinzmetal’s angina is usually described as morning chest pains, and it rarely concerns Caucasian men. Moreover, the vasospasm was associated with cardiac arrest and ECG changes suggestive of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The final diagnosis was myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) due to coronary vasospasm, a few minutes after insufflation of pneumoperitoneum. So far, few cases have been described during non-cardiac surgery, and even fewer during laparoscopy. Sharing our experience seems important to attract attention to cardiovascular events that can occur under general anesthesia, especially when clinical presentation is rare.

What the Cardiologist Needs to Consider in the Management of Oncologic Patients with STEMI-Like Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

In pre-hospital care, an accurate and quick diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is imperative to promptly kick-off the STEMI network with a direct transfer to the cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) in order to reduce myocardial infarction size and mortality. Aa atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the main mechanism responsible for STEMI. However, in a small percentage of patients, emergency coronarography does not reveal any significant coronary stenosis. The fluoropyrimidine agents such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine, widely used to treat gastrointestinal, breast, head and neck cancers, either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapies, can cause potentially lethal cardiac side effects. Here, we present the case of a patient with 5-FU cardiotoxicity resulting in an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with recurrent episodes of chest pain and ST-segment elevation.. Our case report highlights the importance of widening the knowledge among cardiologists of the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, especially considering the rising number of cancer patients around the world and that fluoropyrimidines are the main treatment for many types of cancer, both in adjuvant and advanced settings.

Intravascular ultrasound findings and stent implantation for a patient with coronary spastic angina at site of progressive atherosclerotic plaque and responded poorly to medical treatment: a case report

BACKGROUND

Most coronary spastic angina patients are responsive to coronary vasodilators therapy, and stent implantation is not recommended for regular use. We reported the angiographic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of a rare case who responded poorly to medical treatment due to progressive atherosclerotic plaque at the spastic site.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old man complaining of 1-month history of episodic chest pain at rest was admitted to our hospital. The diagnosis of coronary spastic angina was made based on the angiographic evidence of vasospasm at the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient responded poorly to conventional medical treatment during the 1-year follow-up. The repeated angiography revealed totally occlusion of the proximal segment of the RCA at the same location as 1 year before, and IVUS demonstrated there was vulnerable plaque and thrombus at the site of spasm. Episodic chest pain ceased completely in the follow up period after stenting.

CONCLUSION

Coronary spasm might present at the vessel site with advanced atherosclerotic plaque. For patients with refractory vasospastic angina and significant occlusion, stenting might be a viable and valuable treatment strategy under the guidance of intracoronary imaging.

Incidence and Risk Factors Associated With Hospitalization for Variant Angina in Korea

This study aimed to determine the incidence and the risk factors of hospitalization for variant angina (VA) in Korean patients. Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, manufactured and released by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) in Korea, the incidence of hospitalization and rehospitalization for VA were calculated. The numbers of patients hospitalized for VA were estimated to be 14,362 in 2009, 17,492 in 2010, and 20,592 in 2011. The standardized incidence rates of hospitalization for VA were 31.4% in 2009, 36.5% in 2010, and 41.7% in 2011 (relative increase rate from 2009 to 2011, 33.0%, P for trend < 0.0001). VA patients predominantly belonged to the middle-age group between 40 and 69 years (75.5%), and there were 54.3% male. Based on the hospitalization episodes, the number of rehospitalization was calculated to be 879, 1141, and 1446 patients out of 1867, 2274, and 2677 patients from 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. The rates of rehospitalization for VA were 47.1% in 2009, 50.2% in 2010, and 54.0% in 2011 (P for trend < 0.0001). Age was an independent factor associated with rehospitalization for VA. Hospitalization for VA occurred most frequently in fall from 2009 to 2011. In conclusion, hospitalization rates for VA steadily increased from 2009 to 2011 in Korea, and about a half of VA patients was hospitalized more than once a year in 2009 to 2011. Proper health policy and patient education are warranted to control the high rate of hospitalization for VA.

Recurrent myocardial infarction secondary to Prinzmetal's variant angina

Prinzmetal's variant angina describes chest pain secondary to reversible coronary artery vasospasm in the context of both diseased and non-diseased coronary arteries. Symptoms typically occur when the patient is at rest and are associated with transient ST-segment elevation. Acute episodes respond to glyceryl trinitrate, but myocardial infarction and other potentially fatal complications can occur, and long-term management can be challenging. Although it is not well understood, the underlying mechanism appears to involve a combination of endothelial damage and vasoactive mediators. In this case, a 35-year-old woman with myocardial infarction secondary to coronary artery vasospasm experienced recurrent chest pain. Coronary angiography revealed severe focal stenosis in the mid left anterior descending artery, which completely resolved after administration of intracoronary glyceryl trinitrate. The patient was discharged on nitrates and calcium channel blockers. The patient re-presented with another myocardial infarction, requiring up-titration of medical therapy.

C-type natriuretic Peptide as a surrogate marker in variant angina pectoris

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) as a surrogate marker for detection of coronary artery spasm in variant angina pectoris (VAP).

Subjects and Methods

Sixty-six patients (mean age: 51±11 years, M : F=40 : 26) who underwent coronary angiography on suspicion of angina and who were diagnosed with VAP by the acetylcholine-induced spasm provocation test (SPT) were enrolled and divided into a SPT (-) group (n=23) and a SPT (+) group (n=43). Concentrations of CNP and other markers were determined by immunoassay in both groups.

Results

Plasma CNP and creatine kinase myoglobin band (CK-MB) concentrations were significantly increased in the SPT (+) group relative to the SPT (-) group (CNP, 5.268±1.800 pg/mL vs. 3.342±1.150 pg/mL, p=0.002; CK-MB, 2.54±1.03 ng/dL vs. 1.86±0.96 ng/dL, p=0.019, respectively) while plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) concentrations were not significantly different between the SPT (-) group and SPT (+) group (hs-CRP, 2.76±4.99 mg/L vs. 3.13±4.88 mg/L, p=0.789; NT pro-BNP, 49±47 pg/mL vs. 57±63 pg/mL, p=0.818, respectively). Plasma CNP concentration was independently associated with the VAP via SPT {odds ratio: 2.014 (95% confidence interval: 1.016-3.992), p=0.045}. A CNP cut-off value of 4.096 pg/mL was found to have a sensitivity of 68.2% and a specificity of 40.0% for predicting the probability of VAP via SPT.

Conclusion

Increased plasma CNP concentration in patients with VAP may have an impact on the regulation of endothelial function in accordance with the progression of atherosclerosis. Further analysis is warranted to develop clinical applications of this finding.

Vasospastic angina pectoris complicated by acute myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block

Background. A prolonged coronary artery spasm with interruption of coronary blood flow can lead to myocardial necrosis and increase of cardiospecific enzymes and can be complicated with cardiac rhythm disturbances, syncopc, or even sudden cardiac death. Case report. A 55-year old male felt a severe retrosternal pain when exposing himself to cold weather. The pain lasted for 20 minutes and was followed by the loss of conscience. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a complete antrioventricular (AV) block with nodal rhythm and marked elevation of ST segment in inferior leads. Electrocardiogram was soon normalized, but serum activities of cardiospecific enzymes were increased. Coronarography showed normal findings for the left coronary artery and a narrowing at the middle part of the right coronary artery, which disappeared after intracoronary application of nitroglycerine. The following therapy was prescribed: Diltiazem, Amlodipin, Isosorbid mononitrate, Molisdomin, Atrovastatin, Aspirin and Nitroglycerine spray. After 7 months medicaments were abandoned and the patient experienced again reccurent chest pain episodes at rest. Transitory ST segment elevation was recorded in inferior leads of ECG, but without increase of cardiospecific enzymes serum activities. After restoration of the medicament therapy anginal episodes ceased. Conclusion. Coronary dilators in maximal doses can prevent attacks of vasospastic angina.

Recent advances in the management of chronic stable angina I: approach to the patient, diagnosis, pathophysiology, risk stratification, and gender disparities

The potential importance of both prevention and personal responsibility in controlling heart disease, the leading cause of death in the USA and elsewhere, has attracted renewed attention. Coronary artery disease is preventable, using relatively simple and inexpensive lifestyle changes. The inexorable rise in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, often in the risk cluster known as the metabolic syndrome, drives the ever-increasing incidence of heart disease. Population-wide improvements in personal health habits appear to be a fundamental, evidence based public health measure, yet numerous barriers prevent implementation. A common symptom in patients with coronary artery disease, classical angina refers to the typical chest pressure or discomfort that results when myocardial oxygen demand rises and coronary blood flow is reduced by fixed, atherosclerotic, obstructive lesions. Different forms of angina and diagnosis, with a short description of the significance of pain and silent ischemia, are discussed in this review. The well accepted concept of myocardial oxygen imbalance in the genesis of angina is presented with new data about clinical pathology of stable angina and acute coronary syndromes. The roles of stress electrocardiography and stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphic imaging are reviewed, along with the information these tests provide about risk and prognosis. Finally, the current status of gender disparities in heart disease is summarized. Enhanced risk stratification and identification of patients in whom procedures will meaningfully change management is an ongoing quest. Current guidelines emphasize efficient triage of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Many experts believe the predictive value of current decision protocols for coronary artery disease still needs improvement in order to optimize outcomes, yet avoid unnecessary coronary angiograms and radiation exposure. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of coronary artery obstructive disease. Part II of this two part series will address anti-ischemic therapies, new agents, cardiovascular risk reduction, options to treat refractory angina, and revascularization.

Chest pain without significant coronary stenosis after implantation of sirolimus-eluting stents

We encountered a case of exercise-induced chest pain after the implantation of sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs). She had no history of previous chest pain, and an exercise stress test just after the implantation of the SESs was negative without any symptoms. However, six months after the implantation of the SESs, she began to experience frequent episodes of severe chest pain on effort in spite of there being no significant coronary stenosis. Interestingly, severe coronary vasoconstriction was induced by an intracoronary administration of acetylcholine, and exercise stress testing revealed positive findings with chest pain and ST-T segment depression on ECG. An intensive treatment with two types of calcium channel blockers could readily and completely abolish the exercise-induced chest pain and ST-T segment depression on the ECG. In view of these findings, we presumed that coronary microvessel dysfunction and/or exercise-induced coronary vasoconstriction leading to myocardial ischemia had appeared 6 months after the implantation of the SESs. Although the pathogenesis of this phenomenon could not be completely elucidated, the anatomical and functional abnormalities of the coronary arteries associated with the implantation of the SESs may have been one of the most important mechanisms.

Transient ST-elevation myocardial infarction: clinical course with intense medical therapy and early invasive approach, and comparison with persistent ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), whose symptoms and electrocardiographic changes completely resolve upon admission and before the administration of reperfusion therapy, pose a therapeutic dilemma. The optimal management of this syndrome, termed here as transient STEMI (TSTEMI), has not yet been fully determined. We describe 69 prospectively recorded patients with TSTEMI, of which 63 patients (56.7 +/- 11 years, 48 men) were available for long-term follow-up out of 1244 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (5%). Patients with TSTEMI treated with intravenous isosorbide dinitrate, aspirin, and clopidogrel, and/or with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were compared with a control group of matched patients with STEMI without resolution, who were treated conventionally. The time interval from symptom onset to presentation at the emergency department of patients with TSTEMI was 1.7 +/- 1.3 hours, and to first recording of ST elevations, 1.5 +/- 1.4 hours. Symptoms and electrocardiographic changes fully resolved 1.2 +/- 0.8 hours later, 1 hour after aspirin and nitrate administration. Coronary angiography, performed 36 +/- 39 hours (median, 24 hours) from admission, demonstrated no obstructive lesion or single-vessel obstructive disease in 43 patients (70%). Primary coronary intervention was performed in 48 patients (77%), and 8 patients (13%) were referred to surgery. Left ventricular ejection fraction was within normal limits, and peak creatine kinase was mildly elevated. Patients with TSTEMI had less extensive coronary artery disease (P < .038), better thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow on angiography (P < .01), lower peak creatine kinase level (P < .001), higher left ventricular ejection fraction (P < .0001), and lower likelihood to sustain a second additional coronary event after index admission (P = .024) than patients with STEMI. Transient STEMI was associated with less myocardial damage, less extensive coronary artery disease, higher thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade in culprit artery, and better cardiac function. These data suggest that immediate intense medical therapy with an early invasive approach is an appropriate therapy in patients with TSTEMI.

Antianginal actions of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists

Angina pectoris is usually the first clinical sign of underlying myocardial ischemia, which results from an imbalance between oxygen supply and oxygen demand in the heart. This report describes the pharmacology of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists as it relates to the treatment of angina. The beta-adrenoceptor antagonists are widely used in long-term maintenance therapy to prevent acute ischemic episodes in patients with chronic stable angina. Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists competitively inhibit the binding of endogenous catecholamines to beta1-adrenoceptors in the heart. Their anti-ischemic effects are due primarily to a reduction in myocardial oxygen demand. By decreasing heart rate, myocardial contractility and afterload, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists reduce myocardial workload and oxygen consumption at rest as well as during periods of exertion or stress. Predictable adverse effects include bradycardia and cardiac depression, both of which are a direct result of the blockade of cardiac beta1-adrenoceptors, but adverse effects related to the central nervous system (eg, lethargy, sleep disturbances, and depression) may also be bothersome to some patients. Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists must be used cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, and asthma or other obstructive airway diseases. Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists may be used in combination with nitrates or calcium channel blockers, which takes advantage of the diverse mechanisms of action of drugs from each pharmacologic category. Moreover, concurrent use of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists may alleviate the reflex tachycardia that sometimes occurs with other antianginal agents.

Decrease in plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with variant angina pectoris

BACKGROUND

Plasma adiponectin is decreased in patients with coronary artery diseases, especially in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the correlation between plasma adiponectin and variant angina pectoris (VAP) has not been verified. Plasma adiponectin concentrations between VAP and other coronary artery diseases was compared in the present study. The association between plasma adiponectin concentration and VAP was also investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Plasma adiponectin concentrations in the VAP group (n=101) were compared with those of the ACS group (n=117), the stable angina pectoris group (n=108), and the normal coronary group (n=81). Plasma adiponectin concentrations in VAP and ACS were significantly lower than that of the normal coronary group (6.6+/-5.4 vs 5.2+/-4.0 vs 9.0 +/-6.2 microg/ml, p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that plasma adiponectin (odds ratio (OR) 0.735, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.621-0.855, p=0.011), smoking (OR 2.012, 95% CI 1.210-3.880, p=0.020), and age (OR 0.976, 95% CI 0.957-0.997, p=0.022) correlated independently with the development of VAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a decrease in plasma adiponectin concentration might be associated with the development of VAP.

Approach to the patient with chest pain and nonobstructive coronary artery disease

Patients with chest pain and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD) utilize a significant part of our health care resources. Their diagnosis and treatment can often be difficult and time consuming. A simple classification system and stepwise diagnostic approach may help to reduce unnecessary testing. Also, utilization of a chest pain clinic may be beneficial for these patients.

Calcium channel blockers: an update

This paper reviews the current literature pertaining to calcium channel blockers, including their classification, properties, and therapeutic indications, in light of several recent trials that have addressed their safety. Calcium channel blockers are a structurally and functionally heterogeneous group of medications that are used widely to control blood pressure and manage symptoms of angina. They are classified as dihydropyridines or nondihydropyridines. As a class, they are well tolerated and are associated with few side effects. The question of whether they may precipitate cardiovascular events has been largely settled by recent trials, such as the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT), the International Verapamil Slow-Release/Trandolapril Study (INVEST), and the Controlled Onset Verapamil Investigation of Cardiovascular Endpoints (CONVINCE) study, in which no such association was found. Even so, the use of these agents has been linked with an increased risk of heart failure. Thus, long-acting calcium channel blockers may be safely used in the management of hypertension and angina. However, as a class, they are not as protective as other antihypertensive agents against heart failure.

Cardiac arrest related to coronary spasm in patients with variant angina: a three-case study

We present three patients with variant angina pectoris and episodes of cardiac arrest. All of them had typical clinical symptoms, ST-segment changes in electrocardiogram, and coronary artery spasm confirmed by arteriography. They were treated with high doses of calcium antagonists and nitrates. An automatic cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted in the patient who developed ventricular fibrillation despite therapy with calcium antagonists. In another patient a DDD pacemaker was implanted because of high-degree atrioventricular block.

Episodic coronary artery vasospasm and hypertension develop in the absence of Sur2 K(ATP) channels

K(ATP) channels couple the intracellular energy state to membrane excitability and regulate a wide array of biologic activities. K(ATP) channels contain a pore-forming inwardly rectifying potassium channel and a sulfonylurea receptor regulatory subunit (SUR1 or SUR2). To clarify the role of K(ATP) channels in vascular smooth muscle, we studied Sur2 gene-targeted mice (Sur2(-/-)) and found significantly elevated resting blood pressures and sudden death. Using in vivo monitoring, we detected transient, repeated episodes of coronary artery vasospasm in Sur2(-/-) mice. Focal narrowings in the coronary arteries were present in Sur2(-/-) mice consistent with vascular spasm. We treated Sur2(-/-) mice with a calcium channel antagonist and successfully reduced vasospastic episodes. The intermittent coronary artery vasospasm seen in Sur2(-/-) mice provides a model for the human disorder Prinzmetal variant angina and demonstrates that the SUR2 K(ATP) channel is a critical regulator of episodic vasomotor activity.

Intravascular ultrasound findings of negative arterial remodeling at sites of focal coronary spasm in patients with vasospastic angina

BACKGROUND

There are few data about the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings in patients with vasospastic angina, especially regarding patterns of vascular remodeling.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Coronary spasm was documented by angiography and electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia in 36 patients after administration of ergonovine (cumulative doses up to 350 microg). After relief of spasm with 1000 microg of intracoronary nitroglycerin, quantitative angiography and IVUS imaging were performed and analyzed by standard methods. The 36 focal spasm sites were compared with the proximal and distal reference segments. The angiographic baseline minimum lumen diameter measured 1.78 +/- 0.66 mm, which decreased to 0.66 +/- 0.38 mm with ergonovine provocation (P <.0001), increased to 2.66 +/- 0.64 mm after intracoronary nitroglycerin (P <.0001 compared with baseline and after ergonovine), and did not change after IVUS imaging (2.66 +/- 0.63, P =.9). By IVUS, atherosclerotic lesions were observed at all coronary spasm sites; the mean plaque burden measured 56% at the spasm site and 35% at the reference. Spasm site plaque composition was hypoechoic in 31 and hyperechoic, noncalcific in 5; there was no calcium. The mean eccentricity index (maximum divided by minimum plaque thickness) was 6.7. Positive remodeling (spasm site arterial area greater than proximal reference) was present in 5; intermediate remodeling (proximal reference greater than spasm site greater than distal reference arterial area) was present in 7; and negative remodeling (spasm site arterial area less than distal reference) was present in 24.

CONCLUSIONS

Sites of vasospasm in patients with variant angina showed characteristics of early atherosclerosis, except for an unusually high incidence of negative arterial remodeling.