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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Murine Isolated Heart Model of Myocardial Stunning Associated with Cardioplegic Arrest
Published on: August 6, 2015
Cardiac arrest and myocardial bridging
Alessandro Sciahbasi1, Francesco Summaria, Roberto Patrizi
1Catheterization Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy. alex.sciahbasi@eudoramail.com
Insights
Myocardial bridging, a heart condition, can cause cardiac arrest. This case highlights its association with acute coronary syndromes, necessitating preventative treatment with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Myocardial bridging is the systolic compression of an epicardial coronary artery segment within the heart muscle.
- It is often found incidentally but can be associated with acute coronary syndromes.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with cardiac arrest.
- Coronary angiography revealed significant myocardial bridging as a potential cause.
Findings:
- The patient experienced cardiac arrest, strongly suggesting a link to the identified myocardial bridging.
- This case underscores the potential for myocardial bridging to precipitate severe cardiac events.
Implications:
- Myocardial bridging should be considered in cases of unexplained cardiac arrest and acute coronary syndromes.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may be necessary for managing arrhythmic risks associated with myocardial bridging.
Abstract:
Myocardial bridging, a systolic compression of an intramyocardial segment of an epicardial coronary artery, may be an incidental finding during coronary angiography or autopsy. However, some investigators reported a variety of acute coronary syndromes associated with this condition. We describe the case of a relatively young male patient (43 years old) referred to our emergency department for cardiac arrest and subsequent evidence of significant myocardial bridging at coronary angiography. The patient has been treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to prevent possible subsequent arrhythmic events associated with the myocardial bridging.
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