The Great Masquerade: Not All Coronary Artery Stenosis Are Created Equal

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2024 May 20;20(1):26-32. doi: 10.14797/mdcvj.1365. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

We present the case of a 60-year-old male, with active smoking and cocaine use disorder, who reported progressive chest pain. Various anatomical and functional cardiac imaging, performed to further evaluate chest pain etiology, revealed changing severity and distribution of left main artery (LMA) stenosis, raising suspicion for vasospasm. Intracoronary nitroglycerin relieved the vasospasm, with resolution of the LMA pseudostenosis. A diagnosis of vasospastic angina (VA) led to starting appropriate medical therapy with lifestyle modification counselling. This case highlights VA, a frequently underdiagnosed etiology of angina pectoris. We discuss when to suspect VA, its appropriate work-up, and management.

Keywords: intracoronary NTG; intravascular ultrasound; myocardial bridging; vasospastic angina.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angina Pectoris / diagnostic imaging
  • Angina Pectoris / etiology
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Coronary Angiography*
  • Coronary Stenosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Stenosis* / physiopathology
  • Coronary Stenosis* / therapy
  • Coronary Vasospasm* / diagnosis
  • Coronary Vasospasm* / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Vasospasm* / drug therapy
  • Coronary Vasospasm* / physiopathology
  • Coronary Vasospasm* / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitroglycerin* / administration & dosage
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasodilator Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Vasodilator Agents* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Nitroglycerin
  • Vasodilator Agents