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Lanza GA, Shimokawa H. Management of Coronary Artery Spasm. Eur Cardiol 2023; 18:e38. [PMID: 37456765 PMCID: PMC10345953 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2022.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are the first-line treatment for coronary artery spasm (CAS). When CAS-related angina symptoms are not well controlled by CCB therapy, long-acting nitrates or (where available) nicorandil can be added as second-line medications. In the case of CAS refractory to standard treatments, several other alternative drugs and interventions have been proposed, including the Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil, anti-adrenergic drugs, neural therapies and percutaneous coronary interventions. In patients with syncope or cardiac arrest caused by CAS-related tachyarrhythmias, or even bradyarrhythmias, implantation of an ICD or pacemaker, respectively, should be considered according to the risk of recurrence and efficacy of vasodilator therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Antonio Lanza
- Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
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2
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Feyz L, Henneman M, Verzijlbergen F, Kardys I, Van Mieghem NM, Daemen J. Renal sympathetic denervation in patients with vasospastic angina. J Nucl Cardiol 2020; 27:2202-2209. [PMID: 30761478 PMCID: PMC7749092 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-019-01598-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sympathetic overactivity has been linked to vasospastic angina (VSA), although the exact pathophysiology of VSA is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to assess if renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) reduces cardiac sympathetic nerve activity with a subsequent beneficial effect on angina relief in patients with refractory VSA. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiac sympathetic nerve activity was assessed prior to procedure and at 6 months post-procedure using iodine-123 labeled meta-iodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) imaging. The Seattle Angina questionnaire (SAQ) was used to assess the degree to which the disease impacts quality of life. No significant change was observed in early HMR (pre-RDN: 2.74 [2.10 to 3.21] vs 6 months post-RDN: 2.57 [2.20 to 3.00]; P = 0.76), and late HMR (pre-RDN: 2.56 [2.18 to 3.20] vs 6 months post-RDN: 2.36 [2.13 to 3.22]; P = 0.22). Additionally, no change was seen in WR (P = 0.22). SAQ results revealed significant improvements in perceived physical limitation, angina frequency, and quality of life at 6 months (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION RDN resulted in improvements in angina class and quality of life at 6 months in patients with refractory VSA. RDN, however, did not result in significant changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity as measured using 123I-MIBG. The latter observation should be considered with caution given the small sample size of this study. Larger studies are needed to assess this further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Feyz
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen Henneman
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fred Verzijlbergen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Isabella Kardys
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolas M Van Mieghem
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Daemen
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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3
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Vasospastic Angina. Microcirculation 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28199-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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MacAlpin RN. Some observations on and controversies about coronary arterial spasm. Int J Cardiol 2014; 181:389-98. [PMID: 25555285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of spasm of epicardial coronary arteries are reviewed briefly, especially with regard to some issues that remain controversial. For diagnosis, emphasis is placed on the need for objective observations during an attack, even if that requires an attempt at pharmacologic provocation during coronary arteriography, or during echocardiography when prior arteriography has demonstrated the absence of severe coronary stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex N MacAlpin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Honda Y, Toyama T, Miyaishi Y, Kan H, Yamashita E, Kawaguchi R, Adachi H, Hoshizaki H, Oshima S. Combination of ¹²³I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy and flow-mediated dilation for the detection of patients with coronary spastic angina. J Nucl Cardiol 2014; 21:643-51. [PMID: 24493413 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-014-9859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the usefulness of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity, estimated by (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy, and endothelial function, estimated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), in the detection of coronary spastic angina (CSA). METHODS AND RESULTS We compared 78 consecutive patients suspected of CSA with ten age-matched controls. On the basis of a spasm provocation test with acetylcholine, 53 patients were diagnosed as CSA and 25 patients were considered to have chest-pain syndrome (CPS). The total defect score (TDS) by delayed (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy was significantly higher in both patient groups than in controls (P < 0.05), and was significantly higher in CSA than in CPS patients (P = 0.02). The heart/mediastinum activity (H/M) ratio by delayed (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy and FMD were significantly lower in both patient groups than in controls (P < 0.05), and were lower in CSA than in CPS patients (P = 0.04). In receiver-operating curve analysis, the areas under the curve for TDS, H/M, and FMD were 0.78, 0.72, and 0.70, respectively. The combination of delayed (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy and FMD showed a higher diagnostic value than either method alone. CONCLUSIONS (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy and FMD can distinguish CSA patients among patients complaining of chest pain at rest, with good sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohsuke Honda
- Gunma Prefectural Cardiovascular Center, 3-12, Kameizumi-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-0004, Japan,
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Ootaki Y, Kamohara K, Akiyama M, Zahr F, Kopcak MW, Dessoffy R, Fukamachi K. Ventral cardiac denervation increased right coronary arterial blood flow. Int J Cardiol 2007; 114:309-14. [PMID: 16797752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2005.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2005] [Revised: 12/12/2005] [Accepted: 12/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac denervation accompanied with coronary artery bypass surgery has been widely performed for the treatment of vasospastic angina associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. However, the effect of cardiac denervation on phasic coronary blood flow patterns of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) and right coronary artery (RCA) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cardiac denervation on phasic coronary blood flow patterns of the LAD, LCX and RCA. METHODS Phasic coronary blood flow patterns were analyzed using three flow probes placed around the LAD, LCX and RCA with and without LAD stenosis. Ventral cardiac denervation (VCD) was performed in 8 pigs, and 16 pigs were used as control subjects. Autonomic activities before and after the VCD were quantified by wavelet analysis of heart rate variability. RESULTS The mean LAD flow (34.4+/-9.4 to 32.6+/-7.1 ml/min, p=0.638) and mean LCX flow (26.3+/-10.2 to 27.2+/-6.0 ml/min, p=0.825) showed no significant change after VCD, while the mean RCA flow (31.3+/-9.0 to 38.2+/-11.2 ml/min, p=0.003) significantly increased. The hemodynamic variables in the VCD group were well maintained after creation of LAD stenosis, while they deteriorated in the control group. The low-frequency components, high-frequency components and their ratio did not change after VCD. CONCLUSIONS VCD prevented the deterioration of cardiac function after creation of an LAD stenosis and resulted in an increase of the mean RCA flow. VCD did not affect autonomic nervous system activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Ootaki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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7
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Nakamura M. Our animal model of coronary spasm--my personal view. J Atheroscler Thromb 2000; 6:1-12. [PMID: 10870675 DOI: 10.5551/jat1994.6.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed an animal model of coronary spasm in swine, similar to coronary spasm in patients with variant angina based on the angiographic findings. In this animal model, an impairment of endothelium dependent dilatation appeared to play a minor role while the hypercontraction of the medial muscle cells by histamine and serotonin at the spastic site played a major role in the induction of coronary spasm. In Göttingen male miniature swine receiving focal endothelial denudation, moderate hypercholesterolemia and X ray irradiation, the abrupt, severe and prolonged coronary spasm resulted in a sudden progression of organic coronary stenosis mainly due to intraplaque hemorrhage and also in acute myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nakamura
- The Graduate School of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Nakamura Gakuen University, Fukuoka, Japan
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FEARON WILLIAMF, SHAH HEMANT, FROELICHER VICTORF. NONINVASIVE STRESS TESTING. J Interv Cardiol 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8183.2000.tb00320.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Nyui N, Yamanaka O, Nakayama R, Sawano M, Kawai S. 'Tako-Tsubo' transient ventricular dysfunction: a case report. JAPANESE CIRCULATION JOURNAL 2000; 64:715-9. [PMID: 10981859 DOI: 10.1253/jcj.64.715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During admission for investigation of dysphagia, an 82-year-old woman suddenly complained of dyspnea, which was followed by cardiogenic shock. Her symptoms, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and laboratory data were compatible with an extensive acute anterior myocardial infarction. Emergency cardiac catheterization showed no atheromatous narrowing in any coronary artery. However, the contractions of the left and right ventricles were diffusely and severely impaired, except for some hyperkinesis of the basal area. The asynergy, as well as the abnormalities on the ECG, improved almost to normal by the 35th hospital day. An endomyocardial biopsy from the right ventricle during the acute phase showed atypical myocardial damage with proliferation of fine collagen fibers and small round-cell infiltration including polymorphologic leukocytes. This type of transient cardiac disorder has recently been described in Japan, and is called 'Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy' because of the characteristic appearance of the left ventricular asynergy. In the present case, ventricular asynergy was not limited to the left ventricle, but was also present in the right ventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Nyui
- Department of Cardiology, International Goodwill Hospital, Yokohama
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Sakata K, Miura F, Sugino H, Saegusa T, Shirotani M, Yoshida H, Hoshino T, Kurata C. Assessment of regional sympathetic nerve activity in vasospastic angina: analysis of iodine 123-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Am Heart J 1997; 133:484-9. [PMID: 9124179 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-8703(97)70199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
With the use of iodine 123-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy, this study evaluated regional sympathetic nerve activity in vasospastic angina. Twenty male patients with left anterior descending coronary artery spasm and 18 male patients with normal coronary arteries as a control group were studied. All patients underwent quantitative 123I-MIBG scintigraphy and atropine stress 123I-MIBG scintigraphy. Both groups showed a similar heterogeneous 123I-MIBG uptake in the left ventricle. However, the regional washout rate in patients with coronary artery spasm was significantly reduced in all three territories compared with that in the control group. In vasospastic angina, the regional washout rate in the left anterior descending coronary artery territory was significantly reduced as compared with the other two regions. After intravenous injection of 1 mg atropine, the regional washout rate in the three regions significantly increased in both groups, but the regional differences between the two groups disappeared. The current study demonstrated that cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in vasospastic angina was suppressed, especially in the territory of the spasm-induced coronary artery, probably because of the enhanced parasympathetic nerve activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sakata
- Department of Cardiology, Shizuoka General Hospital, Japan
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Lopez JA, Angelini P, Leachman DR, Lufschanowski R. Gianturco-Roubin stent placement for variant angina refractory to medical treatment. CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR DIAGNOSIS 1994; 33:161-5. [PMID: 7834731 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.1810330217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A 43-yr-old man with mild, fixed obstruction of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and severe, uncontrolled variant angina underwent placement of an endovascular stent to preserve patency of the artery. The decision for stent placement was based on several factors, including refractoriness to medical treatment and standard balloon angioplasty, documented spasm localized to the proximal LAD lesion, and the morbidity, mortality, and costs associated with the surgical approach in this type of patient. At follow-up, there was moderate restenosis of the stented coronary segment; the vasospastic angina syndrome had totally resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Lopez
- Department of Adult Cardiology, Texas Heart Institute, Houston
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Mulcahy D, Knight C, Stables R, Fox K. Lasers, burns, cuts, tingles and pumps: a consideration of alternative treatments for intractable angina. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 1994; 71:406-7. [PMID: 8011401 PMCID: PMC483713 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.71.5.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Abstract
The effects of cardiac denervation on coronary circulation and systemic hemodynamics were examined in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting for a totally occluded left anterior descending coronary artery. The results in 14 patients who had undergone a combination of bypass grafting and intrapericardial denervation (group I) were compared with those in 19 patients who had undergone only bypass grafting (group II). The heart rate was 110 +/- 4.9 beats/min in group I and 104 +/- 3.7 beats/min in group II after denervation. Although the cardiac index was not significantly different between the two groups, the calculated systemic vascular resistance index of group I (1,358 +/- 111 dynes.s.cm-5.m2) was significantly lower (p < 0.02) than that in group II (1,713 +/- 75 dynes.s.cm-5.m2). The end-diastolic coronary resistance was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in group I (0.59 +/- 0.05 mm Hg.mL-1.min-1) than that in group II (1.04 +/- 0.14 mm Hg.mL-1.min-1), and the end-diastolic graft flow/mean graft flow ratio was 1.56 +/- 0.05 in group I and 1.28 +/- 0.04 in group II (p < 0.01). The plasma norepinephrine concentration in group I (223 +/- 52 pg/mL) was significantly low (p < 0.05) compared with that in group II (328 +/- 39 pg/mL) after denervation. Thus, cardiac denervation may have a beneficial effect on systemic hemodynamics and coronary circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Amano
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
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Nakamura M. Experimental induction of spasm, sudden progression of organic stenosis and intramural hemorrhage in the epicardial coronary arteries. Basic Res Cardiol 1991; 86 Suppl 2:159-72. [PMID: 1953607 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-72461-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenesis of the so-called "heart attack" still remains to be elucidated. The links between stable effort angina and unstable or acute myocardial infarction, and between asymptomatic and spontaneous angina are all missing. In medicine presently, pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease is considered a consequence of i) the progression of atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary artery, and ii) dynamic and transient obstruction (coronary spasm), but these mechanisms are traditionally believed to be unrelated. This article demonstrates various experimental evidence indicating that these two mechanisms are related. And, this review article describes how to produce experimental coronary spasm in the presence of atherosclerosis, similar to that seen in patients with variant angina, and that coronary spasm can produce sudden progression of coronary atherosclerotic obstruction due to intramural hemorrhage. Establishment of various animal models to elucidate mechanisms related to various stages of ischemic heart disease are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nakamura
- Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Furusho N, Araki H, Nishi K, Miyauchi Y. Effect of cold cardioplegic solution and hypothermia on response to acetylcholine in perfused epicardial coronary artery of pig. Ann Thorac Surg 1989; 47:287-92. [PMID: 2919915 DOI: 10.1016/0003-4975(89)90290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of cold cardioplegic solution and hypothermia on the response to acetylcholine, a major postganglionic neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, was studied using perfused epicardial coronary arteries of pigs. Cold crystalloid cardioplegic solution (5 degrees C) and hypothermia including topical cooling with slushed ice significantly augmented the coronary flow reduction by acetylcholine at one and two hours after rewarming. Cold Krebs-Henseleit solution (5 degrees C) with hypothermia showed similar effects. However, cardioplegic solution at 37 degrees C did not affect the responsiveness. The coronary flow reduction induced by potassium chloride (60 mmol/L) did not change even after the administration of cold cardioplegic solution (5 degrees C) or cold Krebs-Henseleit solution (5 degrees C), indicating that cooling did not necessarily augment the coronary contractile response generally. It is concluded that cooling and subsequent rewarming can potentiate the contractile response of the coronary artery of the pig to acetylcholine. This suggests that cold cardioplegic solution with hypothermia can promote intraoperative coronary spasm upon activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Furusho
- Department of Pharmacology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan
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Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Weekly clinicopathological exercises. Case 18-1986. A 44-year-old woman with substernal pain and pulmonary edema after severe emotional stress. N Engl J Med 1986; 314:1240-7. [PMID: 3702920 DOI: 10.1056/nejm198605083141908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Abstract
Sympathectomy has been used as treatment for several different cardiac conditions. These include classic angina pectoris, Prinzmetal's angina, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and long QT syndrome. To understand the rationale of such treatment, the innervation of the human heart is reviewed with discussion of the cardiac plexus and coronary innervation. Results in published studies are summarized and discussed.
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Christian CB, Mack JW, Wetstein L. Current status of coronary artery bypass grafting for coronary artery atherosclerosis. Surg Clin North Am 1985; 65:509-26. [PMID: 3898429 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-6109(16)43634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass grafting has now undergone 18 years of proven benefit in the treatment of myocardial ischemic disease. The technique of CABG has been further extended to other situations in which myocardial blood supply is threatened, such as cardiac trauma, aneurysms of coronary arteries, and congenital lesions. The emphasis in choosing CABG over medical therapy in 1985 should be preservation of myocardium at jeopardy of infarction as well as relief of angina. Proximal stenoses in vessels subserving viable muscle that is ischemic at rest or with minimal exercise should be treated with reperfusion by angioplasty or CABG to prevent further injury. After infarction occurs and ventricular function is impaired, CABG is also necessary to preserve remaining myocardium at jeopardy. Such an aggressive approach seems warranted with today's excellent surgical results. Long-term results have also improved, as more attention has been paid to saphenous vein graft preparation, use of mammary artery grafts, complete revascularization, use of antiplatelet agents, control of spasm, and identification of hypercoagulable states that may require sodium warfarin (Coumadin). Angioplasty of vein grafts and distal anastomoses also appears promising to help extend the results of initial CABG. Figure 1 is our recommended approach for the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis.
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