[Coronary artery spasms with normal coronary arteries as the cause of recurrent ventricular fibrillations].

Abstract

Coronary arterial spasms are thought to be responsible for acute myocardial infarction in some patients with normal coronary arteries. A report is presented on a patient with a history of Prinzmetal angina pectoris involving ST-segment elevations in the electrocardiogram and recurrent ventricular fibrillation. Selective coronary arteriography revealed normal coronary arteries. Administration of nifedipin and isosorbide dinitrate brought about prompt relief of pain. One year after cardiac catheterization the patient developed recurrent ventricular arrhythmias when administration of nifedipin was discontinued. It is concluded that coronary arterial spasms may occur in patients with normal coronaries and may cause transient myocardial ischemia with severe ventricular arrhythmias. A history of Prinzmetal angina pectoris is usually present and medical treatment consists in administration of nifedipin and isosorbide dinitrate.

• Authors: O M Hess, C Graf, R Frey, R Dettli, W Siegenthaler
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 111 Issue 21 Pg. 755-8 (May 23 1981) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Koronarspasmen bei normalen Koronararterien als Ursache für rezidivierendes Kammerflimmern.
• PMID: 7256231 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Nifedipine

Topics

• Angina Pectoris (complications)
• Angina Pectoris, Variant (complications, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Coronary Angiography
• Electrocardiography
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nifedipine (therapeutic use)
• Recurrence
• Ventricular Fibrillation (drug therapy, etiology)