A case of accordion phenomenon accompanied by severe transmural myocardial ischemia

Naotsugu Oyama1, Kazushi Urasawa, Hidetsugu Sakai

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.

Insights

A rare case of severe myocardial ischemia occurred after percutaneous coronary intervention in a tortuous right coronary artery. Straightening the artery caused the accordion phenomenon, leading to slow blood flow and chest pain.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for treating coronary artery disease.
  • Severely tortuous coronary arteries present unique challenges during PCI.
  • The accordion phenomenon is a rare complication that can occur during vascular interventions.

Observation:

  • A patient with a severely tortuous right coronary artery (RCA) underwent PCI.
  • Two guidewires were used to straighten the tortuous RCA during the procedure.
  • Immediately after straightening, the patient developed angiographic slow flow, electrocardiographic changes, and anginal pain.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced severe myocardial ischemia.
  • The ischemia was directly attributed to the accordion phenomenon, a consequence of straightening the tortuous RCA.
  • This case highlights a rare but significant complication of PCI in tortuous vessels.

Implications:

  • Awareness of the accordion phenomenon is crucial for interventional cardiologists performing PCI in tortuous coronary arteries.
  • Careful technique and consideration of potential complications are necessary to optimize patient outcomes.
  • Further research may explore preventative strategies or modified approaches for PCI in highly tortuous vessels.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...