[Latent tetany in patients with a negative coronarographic finding]

Chest pain, constriction of the throat and palpitations are symptoms common to tetany and ischaemic heart disease. The objective of the work was to assess the latent prevalence of tetany in patients with typical chest pain and a negative outcome of coronarographic examination. The group comprised 20 patients (5 men and 15 women), mean age 54 years (28-74) with a history of chest pain, who had selective coronarography with a negative or minimal (up to 30% stenosis) outcome. In this group EMG, the ischaemic and hyperventilation test for latent tetany was made. A metabolic cause of tetany was ruled out. The results of the EMG test were positive in 10 patients (50%, 8 women, 2 men). Patients with a positive finding were treated with magnesium lactate by the oral route. All patients reported after one month regression of complaints.

With regard to the high rate of positive EMG tests in patients with a history of chest pain and a negative coronarographic finding the authors recommend to add this simple test to the algorithm of examinations of these patients and supplement treatment according to its results.