Coronary artery spasm--clinical features, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Cardiol. 2008;51:2-17. [PMID: 18522770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2008.01.001]

Coronary vasomotor response incidence to intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test according to the severity of insignificant coronary artery stenosis in Korean population

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a cause of variant angina. However, the understanding of CAS patterns in the presence of mild-to-moderate coronary artery stenosis is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and patterns of CAS in patients with insignificant coronary artery stenosis using intracoronary acetylcholine (ACH) provocation test.

METHODS

In this study, 6513 patients without significant coronary artery stenosis who underwent intracoronary ACH provocation test were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups, based on the severity of coronary artery stenosis: the non group (stenosis <30%, n  = 2833), the mild group (30-49%, n  = 3278) and the moderate group (50-69%, n  = 402). Vasomotor responses were observed among three different groups.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of the patients in the mild and moderate groups were worse than in the non group. They were older, had higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking habit. During the ACH test, CAS was observed in 58.1% of the overall population. The mild group (60.1%) and the moderate group (60.9%) showed a higher incidence than the non group (55.3%, P  < 0.001). In addition, among cases of CAS, the mild group (3.2%) and the moderate group (8.5%) responded more at a lowest dose of ACH than the non group (3.1%, P  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with chest pain without significant coronary artery stenosis, CAS was observed in over half of the cases. Furthermore, CAS was found to be more frequent and more susceptible in patients with mild-to-moderate coronary artery stenosis compared with those without fixed stenosis.

Association Between Vasomotor Response to Ergonovine Provocation Test and Non-Severe Coronary Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) causes vasospastic angina in patients without significant coronary artery stenosis. However, there has been limited investigation regarding the CAS patterns within this population. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and patterns of CAS in patients with non-severe coronary artery stenosis using intracoronary ergonovine (ERG) provocation test.

METHODS

A total of 884 patients experiencing angina with non-severe coronary artery stenosis who underwent intracoronary ERG provocation test between January 2018 and December 2022 were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups, based on the severity of coronary artery stenosis: the Non-group (stenosis < 30%, n = 732), and the Mild-to-moderate group (30%-69%, n = 152). Significant CAS was defined as arterial narrowing of ≥ 70%, and vasomotor responses were observed in each group.

RESULTS

The baseline clinical characteristics of the Mild-to-moderate group were worse than the Non-group. They were older with higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smokers. During the ERG test, CAS was observed in 37.7% of the overall population. The Mild-to-moderate group (54.6%) showed a higher incidence than the Non-group (34.2%, p < 0.001). The Mild-to-moderate group demonstrated odds ratio of 2.31 for CAS compared to the Non-group (95% CI: 1.60-3.33, p < 0.001) even after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable number of patients experiencing angina with non-severe coronary artery stenosis were found to have CAS. Moreover, CAS was observed more frequently in patients with mild to moderate coronary artery stenosis compared to those without any fixed stenosis.

Coronary Artery Spasm: From Physiopathology to Diagnosis

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a reversible vasoconstriction of normal or atherosclerotic epicardial coronary arteries with a subsequent reduction in myocardial blood flow, leading to myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmias, or even sudden death. It is an entity that should be recognized based on a particular clinical presentation. Numerous differences exist between CAS and obstructive coronary disease in terms of mechanisms, risk factors, and therapeutic solutions. The gold standard for CAS diagnosis is represented by transitory and reversible occlusion of the coronary arteries at spasm provocation test, which consists of an intracoronary administration of Ach, ergonovine, or methylergonovine during angiography. The pathophysiology of CAS is not fully understood. However, the core of CAS is represented by vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, with a circadian pattern. The initiating event of this contraction may be represented by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, or autonomic nervous system unbalance. Our study explores the intricate balance of these factors and their clinical relevance in the management of CAS.

CT Predictors of Epicardial Coronary Spasm in Patients With Angina and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that vasospastic angina (VSA) is associated with myocardial bridge (MB) and pericoronary adipose tissue inflammation. We aimed to investigate the clinical and coronary computed tomography angiographic (CCTA) features that could predict VSA in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary arteries.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary arteries who underwent a spasm provocation test and CCTA within 3 months before the spasm provocation test. Pericoronary adipose tissue inflammation was evaluated using the fat attenuation index (FAI) of the proximal reference diameter and the inner 2 mm adipose tissue layer (FAI2mm) from the vessel wall. Coronary plaques were qualitatively classified as noncalcified or calcified plaques in each vessel. In addition, MB was evaluated in the left anterior descending artery.

RESULTS

This study included 142 patients, with 55 (38.7%) diagnosed with VSA. Factors associated with VSA included male sex (74.5% versus 51.7%, P=0.01), smoking history (70.9% versus 52.9%, P=0.05), CCTA-defined MB (49.1% versus 28.7%, P=0.02), and FAI, especially FAI2mm in the right coronary artery-FAI2mm (-68.8 Hounsfield unit versus -74.0 Hounsfield unit, P<0.01), as well as the presence of CCTA-defined mixed or noncalcified plaque anywhere in the coronary tree (65.5% versus 39.1%, P<0.01). In a multivariable analysis, CCTA-defined MB (odds ratio, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.03-4.83]; P=0.04), right coronary artery-FAI2mm (odds ratio, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.02-1.12]; P<0.01), and the presence of mixed or noncalcified plaque (odds ratio, 3.15 [95% CI, 1.45-6.80]; P<0.01) were independently associated with VSA. A combination of CCTA-defined MB in the left descending artery, high right coronary artery-FAI2mm (≥-72.6 Hounsfield unit, median), and CCTA-defined mixed or noncalcified plaque in the coronary tree predicted VSA with a 75.0% probability, while the absence of all 3 factors precluded VSA with 95.6% probability.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary arteries, a prespasm provocation test using a noninvasive comprehensive assessment with CCTA may help identify those at high risk for VSA.

Anal-cardiac reflex leading to coronary spasm and cardiac arrest during abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (MILES): case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) has been frequently documented during regional or general anesthesia. However, severe cardiac arrest induced by CAS as a result of anal-cardiac and vasovagal reflexes is relatively uncommon.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes a patient with a history of CAS and percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) who experienced coronary artery spasm and subsequent cardiac arrest during anal anastomosis in a transabdominal perineal radical resection of rectal cancer (MILES procedure).

CONCLUSION

This case study offers significant insights into the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest induced by surgical intervention in the anal region, which is densely innervated by the vagus nerve at the terminal portion of the rectum. This phenomenon may be associated with the anal cardiac reflex and vagus nerve reflexes. It is imperative to recognize the potential for catastrophic outcomes due to vagus nerve excitation during rectal end surgery, particularly in patients with a history of acute CAS.

Vasospastic Angina Unmasked on Repeat Coronary Angiography in a Patient Without Typical Triggers: A Case Report

Vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal angina) is a rare but clinically significant cause of chest pain that occurs due to transient coronary artery spasm, leading to myocardial ischemia. It often presents with chest pain at rest, typically during late-night or early-morning hours, and may be associated with transient ST-segment changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG) but without significant obstructive coronary disease. Typical triggers include cigarette smoking, drug use, and stress-related endothelial dysfunction. However, some patients lack traditional risk factors, complicating diagnosis. We describe a 69-year-old woman with a history of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and venous thromboembolism, who presented with left-sided chest pain, nausea, and diaphoresis. Initial workup suggested a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with elevated cardiac troponin, yet urgent coronary angiography showed no obstructive lesions. Persistent symptoms and further troponin elevation (>2000 ng/L) prompted a second angiography, which revealed coronary vasospasm in the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex arteries, confirming NSTEMI precipitated by intense, prolonged vasospasm. The patient responded well to calcium channel blockers and long-acting nitrates, underscoring the need to consider vasospastic angina even in individuals without common precipitants. This case highlights the importance of repeat angiography, the role of vasodilatory therapy, and the potential for more advanced diagnostic or genetic testing to clarify underlying risk factors.

Paroxysmal Toothache after Drinking: Alcohol-Induced Vasospastic Angina

A 68-year-old Japanese man presented with recurrent paroxysmal toothache exclusively after alcohol consumption. The episodes occurred 2-3 hours after drinking, lasted 10-15 minutes, and were unrelated to exertion or eating, chewing, or brushing the teeth. Physical examination and laboratory tests were unremarkable. Vasospastic angina was suspected based on the episodic nature and association with alcohol. Symptoms resolved within 1-2 minutes of nitroglycerin administration, confirming the diagnosis of alcohol-induced vasospastic angina. This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac causes, including vasospastic angina, in patients with unexplained paroxysmal symptoms such as toothache, especially when triggered by alcohol consumption.

LEARNING POINTS

Vasospastic angina is caused by transient abnormal contraction of the coronary arteries. Episodes last for 5-15 minutes and are most common in the late evening and early morning.In some patients with vasospastic angina, attacks occur only on drinking days, several hours after drinking. Alcohol-induced vasospastic angina is thought to be attributable to a functional disorder of vascular smooth muscle caused by acetaldehyde accumulation due to alcohol metabolism or transient coronary artery spasm associated with magnesium deficiency and increased endothelin-1 activity.Vasospastic angina can manifest as pain in the head and neck, teeth, arms and shoulders, and is often accompanied by chest pain. However, toothache can be the only symptom and is often bilateral, as in this case.

Non-atherosclerotic coronary causes of myocardial infarction in women

Ischemic heart disease is the most common cardiovascular cause of death in women worldwide. Obstructive coronary atherosclerosis is the primary cause of myocardial infarction (MI), however, non-atherosclerotic mechanisms of MI, such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection, vasospasm, microvascular dysfunction, embolization, inflammation, coronary anomalies, infectious and infiltrative causes are increasingly being recognized. Emerging data suggest that women are two to five times more likely to have an MI in the absence of coronary atherosclerosis compared to men, but they continue to remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, partly due to underdiagnosis and limited understanding of these mechanisms. Recent advancements in invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques and physiological testing allow for distinguishing these mechanisms from each other, providing a definitive diagnosis and tailored treatment. This review summarizes the existing literature on the non-atherosclerotic coronary causes of MI with a focus on evidence pertaining to women, offering a basis for future studies.

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation as the First Presentation of Coronary Artery Spasm

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with increasing incidence and prevalence, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The list of predisposing factors is extensive and includes coronary artery disease (CAD) as a significant trigger. Coronary spasm, an uncommon form of CAD, can very rarely present with AF. We report an adult male with no significant risk factors or family history, except for smoking, who presented with recurrent palpitations diagnosed and managed as paroxysmal AF. Within one year, the patient experienced recurrent attacks of acute chest pain associated with paroxysms of AF. Coronary angiography showed normal coronary anatomy, and coronary spasm was confirmed by a provocation test, which was associated with the development of arrhythmia. The calcium channel blocker (CCB) nifedipine and isosorbide mononitrate prevented the recurrence of these attacks. CAD should be managed as part of the holistic management of paroxysmal AF, and coronary artery spasms should be considered and treated with coronary dilators, especially CCBs.

Familial catamenial coronary spasms

Coronary artery spasms represent important causes of myocardial ischaemia and infarction in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease. They are notably seen in younger people and occur almost equally in men and women. Besides traditional risk factors (ie, smoking), female hormones might also play a role.We report of two young sisters who presented with myocardial infarction caused by catamenial coronary spasms (CS), that is, during menstruation. In one of these women, this resulted in heart failure with a severely reduced ejection fraction and ultimately a heart transplant because of intractable ventricular arrhythmias.CS might result from changing hormone levels (especially oestrogen) during menstruation. Increased awareness of the occurrence of catamenial CS is essential for diagnosis and consequent treatment with coronary vasodilators and/or specific oestrogen/progesterone regimens.

Recent advances in targeted therapy for inflammatory vascular diseases

Vascular diseases constitute a significant contributor to worldwide mortality rates, placing a substantial strain on healthcare systems and socio-economic aspects. They are closely associated with inflammatory responses, as sustained inflammation could impact endothelial function, the release of inflammatory mediators, and platelet activation, thus accelerating the progression of vascular diseases. Consequently, directing therapeutic efforts towards mitigating inflammation represents a crucial approach in the management of vascular diseases. Traditional anti-inflammatory medications may have extensive effects on multiple tissues and organs when absorbed through the bloodstream. Conversely, treatments targeting inflammatory vascular diseases, such as monoclonal antibodies, drug-eluting stents, and nano-drugs, can achieve more precise effects, including precise intervention, minimal non-specific effects, and prolonged efficacy. In addition, personalized therapy is an important development trend in targeted therapy for inflammatory vascular diseases. Leveraging advanced simulation algorithms and clinical trial data, treatment strategies are gradually being personalized based on patients' genetic, biomarker, and clinical profiles. It is expected that the application of precision medicine in the field of vascular diseases will have a broader future. In conclusion, targeting therapies offer enhanced safety and efficacy compared to conventional medications; investigating novel targeting therapies and promoting clinical transformation may be a promising direction in improving the prognosis of patients with inflammatory vascular diseases. This article reviews the pathogenesis of inflammatory vascular diseases and presents a comprehensive overview of the potential for targeted therapies in managing this condition.

Do electrocardiographic changes induced during intracoronary vasospasm provocation testing reflect those during spontaneous angina episodes in patients with vasospastic angina?: a case series

Background

According to the Coronary Vasomotor Disorders International Study (COVADIS) group, the ECG criteria supporting the diagnosis of vasospastic angina (VSA) in spontaneous episodes or induced during intracoronary spasm testing are similar. However, it remains elusive whether acetylcholine-induced ECG changes during epicardial spasms reflect ECG changes that occur during the height of a spontaneous episode.

Case summary

We present four patients diagnosed with VSA during intracoronary spasm testing, of whom the ECG characteristics during spasm testing and a spontaneous angina episode are described. All patients have >90% coronary epicardial vasoconstriction in one or more vessels during acetylcholine provocation. ECGs at the height of a spontaneous episode and during acetylcholine-induced coronary spasm are found to be different in three out of four patients.

Discussion

In patients with VSA, the ECG at the height of a spontaneous episode and during acetylcholine-induced coronary artery spasm may differ substantially. In patients with symptoms suspicious of VSA, every effort should be undertaken to obtain ECGs during the height of a spontaneous episode of angina pectoris and there should be a low threshold to perform intracoronary function testing.

Exploring the mechanisms of Guizhifuling pills in the treatment of coronary spastic angina based on network pharmacology combined with molecular docking

Coronary spastic angina (CSA) is common, and treatment options for refractory vasospastic angina are sometimes limited. Guizhifuling pills (GFP) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing CSA episodes, but their pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. To explore the mechanism of action of GFP in preventing and treating CSA, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict targets and analyze networks. We searched GFP chemical composition information and related targets from databases. The drug-target and drug-target pathway networks were constructed using Cytoscape. Then the protein-protein interaction was analyzed using the STRING database. Gene Ontology biological functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were performed by the Metascape database, and molecular docking validation of vital active ingredients and action targets of GFP was performed using AutoDock Vina software. The 51 active components in GFP are expected to influence CSA by controlling 279 target genes and 151 signaling pathways. Among them, 6 core components, such as quercetin, β-sitosterol, and baicalein, may regulate CSA by affecting 10 key target genes such as STAT3, IL-6, TP53, AKT1, and EGFR. In addition, they are involved in various critical signaling pathways such as apelin, calcium, advanced glycation end product-receptor for advanced glycation end product, and necroptosis. Molecular docking analysis confirms favorable binding interactions between the active components of GFP and the selected target proteins. The effects of GFP in treating CSA involve multiple components, targets, and pathways, offering a theoretical basis for its clinical use and enhancing our understanding of how it works.

Severe Multivessel Coronary Vasospasm From Hypovolemia: A Case Report

Cases of coronary vasospasm leading to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been described. However, hypovolemia as an etiology of coronary vasospasm has been rarely reported. We report the case of a 57-year-old male who presented to the hospital with syncope, with electrocardiogram (EKG) findings suggestive of ST elevation in the inferior leads. The catheterization lab was activated, and coronary angiography was performed, which showed no evidence of thrombotic occlusion with diffuse disease in the right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery that resolved with aggressive fluid resuscitation.

Tacrolimus-Induced Recurrent Acute Coronary Syndrome Due to an Unknown Mechanism

Tacrolimus, a potent immunosuppressive agent widely used in solid organ transplantation, has been associated with numerous harmful side effects. We report an interesting case of a patient who is status post liver transplantation and who has been maintained on tacrolimus for the past 10 years. She presented in the hospital with a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), with normal coronary angiography. The patient was found to have a markedly elevated tacrolimus level. After decreasing the dose of tacrolimus and starting isosorbide mononitrate, the patient's symptoms resolved, and the patient had no recurrence of symptoms.

Clinical Characteristics and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients with Vasospastic Angina

PURPOSE

The clinical background and prognostic impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on vasospastic angina (VSA) are unclear; thus, in this retrospective study, we investigated whether they differ based on the presence or absence of DM in patients with VSA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included 272 Japanese patients with VSA diagnosed by coronary angiography (CAG) and the spasm provocation test (SPT). The diagnosis of DM was determined by measuring fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C and by the patient's current oral medications. On CAG, the presence of atherosclerotic lesions (20%-50%) was checked. On SPT, the coronary spasm was defined as transient coronary vasoconstriction >90% on CAG, accompanied by chest symptoms and/or ST-T changes. Focal spasm was defined as coronary spasm occurring within one segment of the American Heart Association classification on CAG. Blood and urine tests and vascular endothelial function were also evaluated when possible. A major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), which is defined as cardiac mortality and rehospitalization due to cardiovascular illness, was the basis for determining the prognosis.

RESULTS

There were 49 patients (18%) in the DM group and 223 (82%) in the non-DM group. No significant differences in urinary albumin levels and peripheral vascular function were between groups. On CAG, atherosclerotic lesions were observed significantly more frequently in the DM group (63% vs 46%; P = 0.028). Results of SPT showed a trend toward fewer focal spasms in the DM group (24% vs 39%; P = 0.072). No significant differences in MACE were noted between groups in the primary analysis of DM, whereas sub-analyses of focal spasms showed lower MACE-free survival in the DM group (P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

The study results support the hypothesis that DM associated with VSA should be treated appropriately, especially in cases of focal spasm, which may require more attention in treatment.

Assessment of Residual Vasospasm in Patients with Plaque Rupture or Plaque Erosion using Optical Coherence Tomography

AIMS

Coronary vasospasm is associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and may persist during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to elucidate the incidence, morphological characteristics, and prognostic impact of residual vasospasm in plaque rupture (PR) and plaque erosion (PE) lesions using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

We enrolled 142 patients with ACS who underwent OCT-guided primary PCI. All patients received intracoronary vasodilators before OCT examination. Residual vasospasm was identified as intimal gathering and categorised as polygonal- or wavy- patterned depending on the luminal shape. A wavy pattern was defined as a curved intimal surface line. A polygonal pattern was defined as a lumen with multiple angles. The incidence of major cardiovascular events, defined as death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and any revascularization, within 1-year of PCI was identified.

RESULTS

The prevalence of residual vasospasm in PR and PE was 15.1% (13 of 86) and 21.4% (12 of 56), respectively. Wavy pattern was the major shape of the residual vasospasm. Polygonal-patterned lumen was more frequently observed in PR than in PE (38.5 vs. 8.3 %). The polygonal-patterned lumens had significantly larger lipid arcs (257.9 vs. 78.0 °; P＜0.01), and significantly smaller areas (1.27 vs. 1.88 mm2; P=0.05) than wavy-patterned lumens. Residual vasospasm had a prognostic impact on PR but not PE at 1-year of successful primary PCI.

CONCLUSION

Considerable proportion of ACS including both PR and PE had residual vasospasm with variable morphological feature and different prognostic impact.

Bilateral isolated coronary ostial stenosis in a middle-aged premenopausal woman with vasospastic angina: a case report

Background

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is uncommon in premenopausal women who have less chronic endothelial injury causing vascular remodelling, considered to play a primary role in the pathogenesis for coronary vasospasms. Furthermore, vasospasms rarely occur in the bilateral coronary ostia. Isolated coronary ostial stenosis (ICOS), which often causes severe effort angina and requires surgical intervention, is more commonly reported in middle-aged women, with causes including fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and large-vessel vasculitis. However, ICOS associated with VSA is extremely rare.

Case summary

A 50-year-old premenopausal Japanese woman presented with a complaint of typical chest pain due to angina during light exertion daily in the early morning hours since 3 years. Coronary angiography (CAG) revealed bilateral mild-to-moderate ICOS in addition to multi-vessel spasms involving the bilateral coronary ostia confirmed by the vasospasm provocation test using intracoronary acetylcholine injection. Tests to determine the cause of ICOS did not identify FMD or any other disease. The angina attacks alleviated after calcium channel blocker (CCB) administration without intervention for bilateral ICOS for 24 years since the first presentation. Moreover, coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed 24 years after the first presentation showed no ICOS.

Discussion

In our patient with typical and frequent VSA symptoms, CAG revealed both mild-to-moderate ICOS and the vasospasms in the bilateral coronary ostia. Fibromuscular dysplasia or large-vessel vasculitis was ruled out as the causes of ICOS. Vasospastic angina rarely occurred after the prescription of CCB, and coronary CTA 24 years after the first presentation showed no ICOS. Bilateral ICOS in our patient might be VSA related.

Recurrent syncope driven by unique-variant angina pectoris

The patient's vasospastic variant angina manifested as syncope with asymptomatic ischemic episodes, and repeated 24-h dynamic electrocardiogram and coronary angiography examinations combined with coronary provocation spasm tests were necessary for its diagnosis and management.

Do changes in intracoronary pressure aid coronary spasm diagnosis using the spasm provocation test?

BACKGROUND

Although the spasm provocation test (SPT) can diagnose coronary spasms, it would be helpful if it could also predict their occurrence.

AIM

To investigate whether coronary spasms can be predicted using changes in intracoronary artery pressure measured using a pressure wire during the SPT.

METHODS

Seventy patients underwent SPTs with pressure-wire measurement of intracoronary artery pressure. During each SPT, the pressure wire was advanced into the distal portion of the right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending coronary artery, and the ratio of intracoronary pressure to aortic pressure (Pd/Pa) was monitored. Coronary spasm was defined as an arterial narrowing of > 90% in response to the administration of acetylcholine (ACh), with chest symptoms and/or ischemic electrocardiographic changes. ACh was administered to the RCA at low, moderate, or high doses of 20, 50, or 80 µg, respectively, and to the left coronary artery (LCA) at low, moderate, or high doses of 50, 100, or 200 µg, respectively. Coronary arteries with coronary spasms at low doses of ACh were defined as group L, and those with coronary spasms at moderate or high doses were defined as group MH. Those who did not occur coronary spasms at any ACh dose were designated as group N.

RESULTS

Among the 132 coronary arteries assessed using a pressure wire, there were 49 in group N, 25 in group L, and 58 in group MH. Baseline Pd/Pa was the lowest in group L (P = 0.001). The decrease in the Pd/Pa between baseline to low doses of ACh was lower in group MH than in group N (P < 0.001). A receiver-operating characteristics analysis showed that the cutoff baseline Pd/Pa value for predicting group L was 0.95, with a sensitivity of 0.600 (15/25) and a specificity of 0.713 (76/107) and that the cutoff value of Pd/Pa from baseline to low doses of ACh for predicting group MH was -0.04, with a sensitivity of 0.741 (43/58) and a specificity of 0.694 (34/49).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that indices of intracoronary pressure during SPT may be useful means for predicting the occurrence of coronary spasms.

Paxillin participates in the sphingosylphosphorylcholine-induced abnormal contraction of vascular smooth muscle by regulating Rho-kinase activation

BACKGROUND

The Ca2+-independent contraction of vascular smooth muscle is a leading cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular spasms. In the previous study, we demonstrated the involvement of Src family protein tyrosine kinase Fyn and Rho-kinase in the sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC)-induced abnormal and Ca2+-independent contraction of vascular smooth muscle, but the specific mechanism has not been completely clarified.

METHODS

Paxillin knockdown human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) and smooth muscle-specific paxillin knockout mice were generated by using paxillin shRNA and the tamoxifen-inducible Cre-LoxP system, respectively. CASMCs contraction was observed by time-lapse recording. The vessel contractility was measured by using a myography assay. Fyn, Rho-kinase, and myosin light chain activation were assessed by immunoprecipitation and western blotting. The paxillin expression and actin stress fibers were visualized by histological analysis and immunofluorescent staining.

RESULTS

The SPC-induced abnormal contraction was inhibited in paxillin knockdown CASMCs and arteries of paxillin knockout mice, indicating that paxillin is involved in this abnormal contraction. Further study showed that paxillin knockdown inhibited the SPC-induced Rho-kinase activation without affecting Fyn activation. In addition, paxillin knockdown significantly inhibited the SPC-induced actin stress fiber formation and myosin light chain phosphorylation. These results suggest that paxillin, as an upstream molecule of Rho-kinase, is involved in the SPC-induced abnormal contraction of vascular smooth muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that paxillin participates in the SPC-induced abnormal vascular smooth muscle contraction by regulating Rho-kinase activation. Video Abstract.

Life-threatening coronary vasospasm in patients with type 2 diabetes with SGLT2 inhibitor-induced euglycemic ketoacidosis: a report of two consecutive cases

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) has emerged as an adverse event associated with sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). We present two consecutive cases of SGLT2i-induced eDKA, both manifested as life-threatening coronary vasospastic angina (VSA). Case 1: A 64-year-old male overweight patient with type 2 diabetes (BMI 28.2 kg/m2), treated with dapagliflozin 5 mg daily for 6 months and a restricted diet for 2 months, experienced loss of consciousness following severe chest pain while driving, resulting in a traffic accident: plasma glucose, 163 mg/dL; urine ketones, (+++); bicarbonate (HCO3-), 13.2 mmol/L; and total ketone body, 1539 µmol/L. Coronary angiography (CAG) performed on day 5 revealed diffusely spastic coronary arteries with 90% stenosis in the right coronary artery, leading to the diagnosis of VSA in the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. Case 2: A 63-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes (BMI 22.2 kg/m2) experienced severe chest discomfort and faintness following 2 months of chest pain while on dapagliflozin 10 mg daily for 1 year: plasma glucose, 112 mg/dL; urine ketones, (+++); HCO3-, 15.3 mmol/L; and total ketone body, 10,883 µmol/L. CAG performed on day 10 revealed no organic stenosis but diffusely spastic coronary arteries in response to coronary ergonovine infusion, confirming the diagnosis of VSA. SGLT2i has the potential to inhibit acetylcholine and butyrylcholine esterase activities, leading to reduced scavenging of acetylcholine and possible induction of coronary vasospasm. These cases highlight the association between life-threatening VSA and SGLT2i-induced eDKA.

Acute Heart Failure Due to Multi-vessel Coronary Spasm

A 46-year-old man presented to our hospital with chest pain followed by coughing and dyspnea. His myocardial enzyme levels were almost normal, and electrocardiography and echocardiography showed no obvious abnormalities. Chest radiography revealed congestion. He was diagnosed with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although subjective symptoms improved with intravenous diuretics, the patient was admitted to the hospital for a close examination. Coronary angiography showed no obvious stenosis, and a subsequent spasm provocation test demonstrated the presence of multi-vessel and diffuse spasms. Coronary spasm should be considered as a differential cause of heart failure, even in patients with HFpEF.

Vasospastic Angina in a Young Woman: A Case Report

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is a disease that causes myocardial ischemia due to transient vasoconstriction of the epicardial coronary arteries. This disease generally occurs in middle-aged and older adults, but there are also reports of it occurring in young people. We report a case of VSA in a woman in her 20's. Six months ago, a female patient in her 20s became aware of a strangling sensation in the chest that lasted for approximately 1-20 minutes at rest or during stress. She consulted her family doctor who prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets, which were effective. She was a current smoker and had a history of bronchial asthma, with no family history of coronary artery disease. Resting electrocardiogram and echocardiography revealed no clear abnormalities. The patient was referred to our hospital for coronary angiography (CAG) and spasm provocation test (SPT), primarily to thoroughly examine her chest pain at rest. CAG revealed no significant stenosis. A subsequent SPT using acetylcholine demonstrated diffuse coronary spasm in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The coronary spasm resolved spontaneously, but the catheter was difficult to maneuver owing to the radial artery spasm at the puncture site; thus, nitroglycerin was administered, which alleviated the radial artery spasm. Another SPT was performed on the right coronary artery (RCA) and revealed no coronary spasm. Coronary microcirculatory function using a pressure wire in response to the peripheral infusion of adenosine triphosphate was assessed in the RCA and LAD, both of which were normal. The patient was discharged from the hospital on an oral calcium channel blocker (CCB). She continued to experience chest pain, but her chest symptoms improved with CCB medication and a change in her workplace. It must be kept in mind that coronary spasms can occur even in young women and should be one of the differentials of chest pain in such patients.

MINOCA biomarkers: Non-atherosclerotic aspects

Myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is an important subtype of myocardial infarction. Although comprising less than 50% stenosis in the main epicardial coronary arteries, it constitutes a severe health risk. A variety of approaches have been recommended, but definitive diagnosis remains elusive. In addition, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of underlying pathophysiology makes clinical management difficult and unpredictable. This review highlights ongoing efforts to identify relevant biomarkers in MINOCA to improve diagnosis, individualize treatment and better predict outcomes.

Which Coronary Artery Should Be Preferred for Starting the Coronary Spasm Provocation Test?

BACKGROUND

The spasm provocation test (SPT) is a critical test for diagnosing vasospastic angina (VSA). However, the choice of vessel to be preferred for initiating the SPT-the right coronary artery (RCA) or the left coronary artery (LCA)-is unclear. This study aimed to assess SPT results including SPT-related complications while initiating the SPT in the RCA and LCA.

METHODS

We enrolled 225 patients who underwent coronary angiography and SPTs. The SPT was first performed in the RCA in 133 patients (RCA group) and the LCA in 92 patients (LCA group). We defined VSA as >90% narrowing of the coronary artery during the SPT, accompanied by chest pain and/or ST-T changes on the electrocardiogram. When coronary spasm occurs in two or more major coronary arteries, it is referred to as a multivessel spasm (MVS). SPT-related complications comprised atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, and unstable hemodynamics following catecholamine use. Analyses using propensity score matching (PSM) were performed in 120 patients.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the frequencies of VSA and complications were observed between the two groups (RCA: 79% and 19%, respectively; LCA: 85% and 22%, respectively). In both groups, spasms were most frequently provoked in the left anterior descending coronary artery (both p < 0.001) whereas spasms in the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) were higher in the LCA group than in the RCA group (p = 0.015). Furthermore, no significant difference in the frequency of MVS was observed between both groups (RCA: 50%, LCA: 62%; p = 0.122). After PSM, no significant difference in the frequencies of VSA and complications were observed between the two groups (RCA: 82% and 15%, respectively; LCA: 88% and 18%, respectively). The frequencies of LCX spasms (RCA: 8%, LCA: 23%; p = 0.022) and MVS (RCA: 40%, LCA: 62%; p = 0.020) were higher in the LCA group than in the RCA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the diagnostic rate of VSA and frequency of SPT-related complications were similar in the two groups, the frequency of MVS was higher in the LCA group than in the RCA group because of the increase in the number of LCX spasms. A routine SPT may be started from the LCA.

Pharmacotherapy in patients with vasomotor disorders

Background

Anginal symptoms in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease are frequently related to vasomotor disorders of the coronary circulation. Although frequently overlooked, a distinct diagnosis of different vasomotor disorders can be made by intracoronary function testing. Early detection and treatment seems beneficial, but little evidence is available for the medical treatment of these disorders. Nevertheless, there are several pharmacotherapeutic options available to treat these patients and improve quality of life.

Methods & findings

We performed an extensive yet non-systematic literature search to explore available pharmacotherapeutic strategies for addressing vasomotor disorders in individuals experiencing angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease. This article presents a comprehensive overview of therapeutic possibilities for patients exhibiting abnormal vasoconstriction (such as spasm) and abnormal vasodilation (like coronary microvascular dysfunction).

Conclusion

Treatment of vasomotor disorders can be very challenging, but a general treatment algorithm based on the existing evidence and the best available current practice is feasible.

Practical Approach for Angina and Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A State-of-the-Art Review

Anginal symptoms are frequently encountered in patients without the presence of significant obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). It is increasingly recognized that vasomotor disorders, such as an abnormal vasodilatory capacity of the coronary microcirculation or coronary vasospasm, are the dominant pathophysiological substrate in these patients. Although the evidence with respect to angina in patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries is accumulating, the diagnosis and treatment of these patients remains challenging. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview regarding the pathophysiological origins of angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries disorders and its diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. Hereby, we provide a practical approach for the management of patents with angina and non-obstructive CAD.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Prinzmetal Angina

Prinzmetal angina (PA) is characterized by the development of reversible vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries, transient ischemic electrocardiographic changes in the ST segment, chest pain at rest, and prompt response to nitrates. Spasms of the coronary arteries can be precipitated during the perioperative period by an imbalance of vasodilator and vasoconstrictor factors of smooth muscle cells, which can lead to myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and death. Nevertheless, this is a relatively unrecognized topic, and literature is scarce about it. We present a case report detailing the successful anesthetic management of a patient diagnosed with PA and a documented nitrate allergy, who underwent bilateral ureterorenoscopy.

Frequency and Clinical Impact of Family History of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Vasospastic Angina

BACKGROUND

Family history (FH) of coronary artery disease (CAD) [FH-CAD] is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerotic CAD. However, FH-CAD frequency in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA) remains unknown, and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of VSA patients with FH-CAD are unclear. Therefore, this study compared FH-CAD frequency between patients with atherosclerotic CAD and those with VSA and examined the clinical characteristics and prognosis of VSA patients with FH-CAD.

METHODS

Coronary angiography and spasm provocation tests (SPT) were used to investigate chest pain of coronary artery origin in patients classified into atherosclerotic CAD (362 cases), VSA (221 cases; positive for SPT) and non-VSA (73 cases; negative for SPT) groups, with FH-CAD being defined. In the VSA group, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-independent vasodilation (NID) via brachial artery echocardiography and clinical symptoms in the groups with and without FH-CAD were checked, with Kaplan-Meier curves revealing major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiac death and rehospitalisation for cardiovascular disease) between the two groups.

RESULTS

The atherosclerotic CAD group had a significantly lower FH-CAD frequency (12%, p = 0.029) than the VSA (19%) and non-VSA groups (19%). FH-CAD was more common in females in the VSA and non-VSA groups than in the atherosclerotic CAD group (p < 0.001). Nonpharmacological treatment for CAD in FH-CAD was more common in the atherosclerotic CAD group (p = 0.017). In the VSA group, FH-CAD tended to be more common in females (p = 0.052). Although no differences in FMD of the brachial artery were observed between the groups, the FH-CAD (+) group had significantly higher NID than the FH-CAD (-) group (p = 0.023). Kaplan-Meier's analysis revealed a similar prognosis between the two groups, and other clinical characteristics did not differ.

CONCLUSION

Patients with VSA have a higher FH-CAD frequency than those with atherosclerotic CAD, especially in females. Although FH-CAD may affect vascular function in patients with VSA, its effect on the severity and prognosis of VSA appears to be minimal. FH-CAD and its confirmation may assist in CAD diagnosis, especially in female patients.

Vasospastic angina in women: Clinical backgrounds and prognoses of patients younger than and older than 60 years

BACKGROUND

We frequently encounter cases of women with vasospastic angina (VSA). Additionally, some women with VSA are younger than 60 years old. However, it is unknown whether the characteristics of VSA in women aged < 60 years are different from those in women aged ≥ 60 years.

AIM

To investigate and compare the clinical characteristics and prognosis of VSA in women aged < 60 years from those in women aged ≥ 60 years.

METHODS

We enrolled 94 women with VSA who were diagnosed using the spasm provocation test. According to the age at diagnosis, the patients were divided into two groups: Group Y (age < 60 years, n = 17) and Group O (age ≥ 60 years, n = 77). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced dilation (NID) of the brachial artery were performed and assessed using brachial ultrasonography. Moreover, conventional coronary risk factors, such as atherosclerotic lesions (stenosis > 20%) detected using coronary angiography and focal spasms (coronary spasm within one segment of one coronary artery), and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) were assessed in both groups.

RESULTS

Smoking was more prevalent in Group Y than in Group O (P = 0.04). FMD was similar in both groups (Group O: 4.3% ± 3.2%, Group Y: 4.5% ± 3.3%; P = 0.75), whereas NID was higher in Group Y (20.5% ± 8.6%) than in Group O (13.6% ± 5.3%, P < 0.01). Atherosclerosis was not detected in Group Y but was detected in Group O (61%, P < 0.01). Focal spasms were less frequent in Group Y (12%) than in Group O (38%, P = 0.04). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.40).

CONCLUSION

Women aged < 60 years with VSA have less atherosclerotic lesions and focal spasms. These characteristics may be affected by smoking habits and vascular smooth muscle dysfunction.

Japanese Herbal Medicine (Kampo) as a Possible Treatment for Ischemia With Non-obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Patients presenting with the syndrome of symptoms and signs suggesting ischemic heart disease but found to have no obstructed coronary arteries (INOCA) are increasingly recognized. Although there are non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of INOCA, such as transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, positron emission tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate increased blood flow with adenosine and other agents, the diagnosis of INOCA by coronary angiography with the coronary spasm provocation test and coronary microvascular function evaluation using pressure wires has become the gold standard, but it is not well established in the treatment of INOCA. Despite the lack of objection to lifestyle modification and the use of coronary dilators, mainly calcium-channel blockers, for conditions involving epicardial coronary artery spasm, there is no entirely effective long-term treatment for microvascular spasm or coronary microvascular dysfunction. Although some combinations of drugs have been empirically administered in certain cases, it is difficult to conclude that they are sufficiently effective. Recently, it has been reported that some Japanese herbal medicines (Kampo) have been effective in the treatment of INOCA. In order to increase the knowledge on the treatment of INOCA, this review focuses on the effects of Japanese herbal medicine on INOCA and its presumed mechanisms and problems.

Case report: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation with optimal medical treatment for lethal ventricular arrhythmia caused by recurrent coronary artery spasm due to tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) may induce lethal ventricular arrhythmia due to severe and prolonged vessel constriction. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are associated with the occurrence of CAS. Optimal medical treatment is the first-line therapeutic option for the management of CAS, whereas patients who experienced aborted sudden cardiac death (SCD) may benefit from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. We report a case of a 63-year-old Chinese man receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment for liver cancer who presented with recurrent chest discomfort and syncope with an elevation of high-sensitivity troponin T. Emergent coronary angiography showed sub-total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery without other signs of CAS. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with a drug-coated balloon was performed successfully with the guidance of intravascular ultrasound. After 5 months, the patient returned to the emergency room for chest discomfort and another episode of syncope. The electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in the inferior and V5–V6 leads compared to the previous event. Coronary angiography was repeated immediately and showed significant luminal stenosis at the midportion of the right coronary artery (RCA), whereas, after administration of intracoronary nitroglycerine, a remarkable recovery of RCA patency was noticed. A diagnosis of CAS was made, and soon after that, the patient rapidly developed ventricular arrhythmia in the coronary care unit. After successful resuscitation, the patient recovered completely and received long-acting calcium channel blockers as well as nitrates therapy. ICD implantation was performed considering the high risk of recurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. During the follow-up period, the patient has been free of angina, syncope, or ventricular arrhythmia, and ICD interrogation showed no ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. We first reported the case of a patient with CAS induced by regorafenib treatment complicated with severe atherosclerotic coronary disease who survived from sudden cardiac arrest. ICD implantation is indicated in patients who experienced aborted SCD for the prevention of the next lethal ventricular arrhythmia.

Relationship between Inflammation and Vasospastic Angina

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a dynamic coronary stenosis causing vasospastic angina (VSA). However, VSA is a potentially lethal medical condition with multiple presentations, including sudden cardiac death. Despite investigations to explore its pathogenesis, no single mechanism has been found to explain the entire process of VSA occurrence. The roles of elevated local and systemic inflammation have been increasingly recognized in VSA. Treatment strategies to decrease local and systemic inflammation deserve further investigation.

Non-invasive diagnosis of vasospastic angina

Vasospastic angina (VSA), or variant angina, is an under-recognized cause of chest pain and myocardial infarction, especially in Western countries. VSA leads to a declined quality of life and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, the diagnosis of VSA relies on invasive testing that requires the direct intracoronary administration of ergonovine or acetylcholine. However, invasive vasoreactivity testing is underutilized. Several non-invasive imaging alternatives have been proposed to screen for VSA. This review aims to discuss the strengths and limitations of available non-invasive imaging tests for vasospastic angina.

Does the intracoronary pressure differ according to two types (diffuse or focal) of coronary spasm?

BACKGROUND

Several reports show that two types of coronary vasospasm (diffuse and focal spasm) are associated with the severity or prognosis of coronary spasm in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). It is unclear whether intracoronary pressure differs between the two spasm types.

AIM

To investigate such relationships using a pressure wire during the spasm provocation test (SPT) in patients with VSA.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients with VSA (average age: 67 years; 50 men, 37 women) underwent SPT. During the SPT, a pressure wire was advanced into the distal portion of the right coronary artery and left anterior descending coronary artery, and the ratio of the intracoronary pressure to the aortic pressure (Pd/Pa) was continuously monitored. An SPT was performed using acetylcholine (ACh), and the presence of coronary spasm was defined as the presence of > 90% arterial narrowing in response to an ACh infusion, with the usual chest symptoms and/or ischemic ECG changes. Focal spasm was defined as total or subtotal spasm within one segment of the AHA classification, while diffuse spasm was defined as > 90% spasm with two or more segments.

RESULTS

Among 87 patients, the frequencies of metabolic syndrome and having coronary atherosclerosis were higher in the focal group (n = 33) than in the diffuse spasm group (n = 54, P < 0.05). In the vessel analyses, in these 134 spastic segments, diffuse and focal spasms were detected in 100 and 34 vessels, respectively. The Pd/Pa at baseline was similar in both groups (diffuse: 0.96 ± 0.05, focal: 0.95 ± 0.05, P = 0.35); however, the Pd/Pa during coronary spasm was lower in focal spastic vessels (0.66 ± 0.20) than in diffuse spastic vessels (0.76 ± 0.11, P < 0.01), and the reduction in Pd/Pa during an SPT was also lower in focal spastic vessels (-0.29 ± 0.20) than in diffuse spastic vessels (-0.18 ± 0.11, P < 0.01). The presence of focal spasm was a significant factor responsible for reduction in Pd/Pa during SPT.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that focal spasm may be more severe than diffuse spasm, judging from the intracoronary pressure during coronary spasm.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Vasospastic Angina Subjected to the Spasm Provocation Test and the Unavoidable Use of Nitroglycerin

Background: Multi-vessel spasm (MVS) has a prognostic impact in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). Thus, the presence of coronary spasm in both the left coronary artery (LCA) and right coronary artery (RCA) should be assessed through the spasm provocation test (SPT). Nitroglycerin (NTG) is used to avoid SPT-related complications; however, this unavoidable use of NTG may decrease the detection of MVS. Therefore, we investigated the frequency of the unavoidable use of NTG during SPT and clarified the clinical characteristics in patients with VSA who underwent the unavoidable use of NTG during STP. Methods: A total of 141 patients with positive SPT were evaluated. A positive SPT was defined as > 90% constriction in epicardial coronary arteries in response to acetylcholine, accompanied by the usual chest symptoms and/or ischaemic ST-T changes on electrocardiography. When a coronary spasm occurred, we usually wait for the spontaneous relief of the coronary spasm. However, if a prolonged coronary spasm or unstable haemodynamics occurred, 0.3 mg NTG was administered intracoronarily to promptly relieve the coronary spasm and this was defined as the unavoidable use of NTG. Even when the unavoidable use of NTG was administered in one coronary artery, an additional SPT was performed on another coronary artery. If a coronary spasm occurred in another coronary artery, a positive SPT was diagnosed. In contrast, if a coronary spasm was not induced after the unavoidable use of NTG, the judgement was classified as undiagnosed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the unavoidable use of NTG: U-NTG (n = 42) and the final use of NTG: F-NTG (n = 99). The clinical characteristics and frequencies of MVS (≥2 major coronary arteries in which a coronary spasm was provoked) and complications (malignant arrhythmia and unstable haemodynamics requiring catecholamines) during the SPT were compared between the groups. Results: Except for smoking status, all other clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. More current smokers were observed in the U-NTG group (29%) than in the F-NTG group (12%, p = 0.02). The frequency of MVS did not vary significantly between the groups (p = 0.28), with 64% for U-NTG and 55% for F-NTG. No significant difference was found between the groups in the frequency of severe complications during SPT (p = 0.83), with 2% for U-NTG and 3% for F-NTG. In the U-NTG group, the positive induction rate of coronary spasm in another coronary artery was 40% (17/42). Conclusions: The unavoidable use of NTG occurred in ~30% of patients with VSA, most of whom were current smokers. It did not decrease the detection of MVS and potentially prevented severe complications during SPT. Therefore, the unavoidable use of NTG is acceptable during SPT. However, an additional test may need to be performed to assess the presence of MVS.

Successful Use of Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Blocks in a Patient With Variant Angina After Large Ventral Hernia Repair

Coronary artery spasm constitutes the primary underlying pathology of variant angina. Because provocation of coronary artery spasm may occur with both excess sympathetic and excess parasympathetic stimulation, patients with this disorder have extremely limited options for perioperative pain control. This is especially true for procedures involving extensive abdominal incision/manipulation. Whereas neuraxial analgesia might otherwise be appropriate in these cases, several studies have demonstrated that coronary artery spasm can occur as a result of epidural placement, and therefore, that this may not be an optimal choice for patients with variant angina. This report discusses the case of a patient with a preexisting diagnosis of variant angina who underwent an exploratory laparotomy with large ventral hernia repair and for whom continuous erector spinae plane blocks were successfully used as analgesic adjuncts without triggering coronary artery spasm.

Serum SELENBP1 and VCL Are Effective Biomarkers for Clinical and Forensic Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Spasm

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many ischemic heart entities; however, there are no established diagnostic biomarkers for CAS in clinical and forensic settings. This present study aimed to identify such serum biomarkers by establishing a rabbit CAS provocation model and integrating quantitative serum proteomics, parallel reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics, and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Our results suggested that SELENBP1 and VCL were potential candidate biomarkers for CAS. In independent clinical samples, SELENBP1 and VCL were validated to be significantly lower in serum but not blood cells from CAS patients, with the reasons for this possibly due to the decreased secretion from cardiomyocytes. The areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were 0.9384 for SELENBP1 and 0.9180 for VCL when diagnosing CAS. The CAS risk decreased by 32.3% and 53.6% for every 10 unit increases in the serum SELENBP1 and VCL, respectively. In forensic samples, serum SELENBP1 alone diagnosed CAS-induced deaths at a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 72.73%, and its combination with VCL yielded a diagnostic specificity of 100.0%, which was superior to the traditional biomarkers of cTnI and CK-MB. Therefore, serum SELENBP1 and VCL could be effective biomarkers for both the clinical and forensic diagnosis of CAS.

Cellular Mechanisms of Coronary Artery Spasm

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a reversible phenomenon caused by spontaneous excessive vascular smooth muscle contractility and vascular wall hypertonicity, which results in partial or complete closure of the lumen of normal or atherosclerotic coronary arteries. The clinical picture of CAS includes chest discomfort which is similar in quality to that of stable effort angina. Mechanisms underlying the development of CAS are still unclear. CAS certainly is a multifactorial disease. In this review, we paid attention to the role of the main pathophysiologic mechanisms in CAS: endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, smooth muscle hypercontractility, atherosclerosis and thrombosis, and mutations leading to deficient aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activity. These findings might shed novel insight on the underlying mechanisms and identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases in the future.

Sex Difference in Coronary Artery Spasm Tested by Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Test in Patients with Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases manifest differently in men and women. The purpose of this study is to compare the sex difference in the characteristics of coronary artery spasm (CAS) in patients with nonobstructive cardiovascular disease (NOCVD) and the clinical outcomes in accordance with sex in CAS patients.

Methods

The study analysed 5,491 patients with NOCVD who underwent an acetylcholine provocation test from November 2004 to May 2014 for evaluation of chest pain. CAS was defined as greater than 70% of luminal narrowing of the artery during the acetylcholine provocation test.

Results

The patients were divided into men (n = 2,506) and women (n = 2,985). Mean follow-up days were 1,218 ± 577 days. To adjust for confounding factors, the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed in all patients and among the CAS patients. After PSM analysis, a total of 1,201 pairs in all patients and a total of 713 pairs in CAS patients were generated. In all patients, women showed significantly less incidence of CAS compared with men (62.3% vs 50.9%, P < 0.01). Myocardial bridge (MB) and moderate stenosis were less prevalent in women, while transient ST elevation and ischemic chest pain during provocation were more frequent in women. In CAS patients, men had a higher incidence of multivessel spasm than women (35.7% vs. 29.7%, P < 0.01). Old age, dyslipidemia, and MB were independent risk factors of CAS in both men and women. In CAS patients, there was no statistical differences for various individual and composite major outcomes up to five years in either men or women. In men with CAS, old age was a risk factor of a 5-year major adverse cardiac event (MACE), and moderate stenosis was a risk factor of both 5-year MACE and 5-year recurrent angina. In women with CAS, mild stenosis was a risk factor of 5-year MACE, while myocardial bridge was a risk factor of 5-year recurrent angina.

Conclusions

In this study, there were sex differences in the angiographic and clinical parameters during the acetylcholine provocation test, incidence of CAS, risk factors of CAS, 5-year MACE, and recurrent angina. Old age, dyslipidemia, and MB were independent risk factors of CAS in both sexes. However, major clinical outcomes up to five years in CAS patients were not different according to sex.

Coronary Vasospastic Angina: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is an under-appreciated cause of chest pain. It is characterised by transient vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of stable angina and acute coronary syndromes. Complex mechanistic pathways characterised by endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle hypercontractility lead to a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from recurrent angina to fatal arrhythmias. Invasive provocation testing using intracoronary acetylcholine or ergonovine is considered the current gold standard for diagnosis, but there is a wide variation in protocols amongst different institutions. Conventional pharmacological therapy relies on calcium channel blockers and nitrates; however, refractory VSA has limited options. This review evaluates the pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for VSA. We believe global efforts to standardise diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines will improve the outcomes for affected patients.

Assessment of coronary spasms with transluminal attenuation gradient in coronary computed tomography angiography

Purpose

To evaluate the imaging features of coronary spasm, including transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in patients with vasospastic angina (VA).

Methods

A total of 43 patients with a high clinical likelihood of VA were included in the study. All the subjects underwent double CCTA acquisition: CCTA without a vasodilator (‘baseline CT’) and CCTA during continuous intravenous nitrate infusion (‘IV nitrate CT’). A catheterized ergonovine provocation test was used to determine true VA patients. Coronary spasm is classified into focal- and diffuse-types according to morphological differences. We measured TAG and contrast enhancement of the proximal ostium (ProxHU) of each coronary artery for both the baseline and IV nitrate CT.

Results

Twenty-four patients (55.8%) showed positive results of coronary vasospasm on the provocation test. Thirty-eight vessels showed coronary spasms (29.5%): Focal-type in nine vessels (24%), and diffuse-type in 29 (76%). In the baseline CT, LCX showed significantly lower (steeper) TAG in spasm(+) vessels than in spasm(-) vessels, while LAD and RCA showed no significant differences in TAG. The ProxHU of LAD showed significantly lower values in spasm(+) vessels than in spasm(-) vessels, while the other vessels did not show significant differences in ProxHU. For IV nitrate CT, there were no significant differences in either the TAG and ProxHU between spasm(+) and (-) vessels for all the three vessel types. In subgroup analysis for spasm(+) vessels, diffuse spasms showed significantly lower TAG than focal spasms, while the ProxHU did not differ between the two types of spasm.

Conclusions

A relatively large percentage of coronary spasms present as diffuse type, and the TAG values significantly differed according to the morphological type of the coronary spasm.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Multi-Vessel Coronary Spasm in Comparison with Those in Patients with Single-Vessel Coronary Spasm

(1) Background: We have sometimes experienced patients with vasospastic angina (VSA) who presented multi-vessel spasm (MVS) on coronary angiography and spasm provocation test (SPT). However, the clinical characteristics of VSA patients with MVS and the prognosis of such patients in the clinical setting have not been clarified. Therefore, we compared the clinical characteristics and prognosis in VSA patients with MVS with those in VSA patients with single-vessel spasm (SVS). (2) Methods: A total of 152 patients (mean age, 67 years, 74 men and 78 women) with VSA, in which the presence of coronary spasm was assessed in both left coronary artery (LCA) and right coronary artery (RCA) on SPT, were enrolled. We defined VSA as the presence of >90% narrowing of the epicardial coronary artery on angiograms, accompanied by usual chest symptoms and/or ischaemic ST-T changes on the electrocardiogram. On SPT, MVS was defined as the presence of spasms on ≥2 major coronary arteries. Based on the presence of MVS, patients were divided into the MVS group and the SVS group. The frequencies of conventional coronary risk factors, blood chemical parameters, average times of anginal attack, SPT findings such as spasm provocation induced by a low dose of acetylcholine (L-ACh) and total occlusion due to coronary spasm (TOC), number of coronary vasodilators at discharge and major cardiovascular events (MACE, including cardiac death and readmission due to any cause of cardiovascular diseases) were compared between the two groups. (3) Results: The MVS and SVS groups were comprised of 98 (64%) and 54 (36%) patients, respectively. The level of fasting blood glucose (FBS) was lower (p < 0.01), and the level of cystatin-C (n = 89) tended to be higher (p = 0.07) in the MVS group than in the SVS group. The frequencies of L-ACh-induced coronary spasm (33% in MVS and 17% in SVS, p = 0.04) and TOC (12% in MVS, 0% in SVS, p < 0.01) were higher in the MVS group than in the SVS group. The average number of coronary vasodilators at discharge was higher in the MVS group (1.2 ± 0.4) than in the SVS group (0.9 ± 0.5, p < 0.01). The frequency of MACE was not different between the two groups. (4) Conclusions: Patients with MVS may have higher VSA activity on SPT and have more aggressive medications, leading to a comparable prognosis in VSA patients with SVS. MVS is an important indicator of at least VSA activity, and cardiologists should confirm this in SPT whenever possible. Further studies should confirm whether lower FBS levels and higher cystatin-C levels are any markers of MVS.