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Published on: January 28, 2020

Myocardial bridges: Their clinical implications and prognostic signs

I Wasfy1, M S Nouh, M Foda

  • 1King Saud University, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|September 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Myocardial bridges in the left anterior descending artery are rare, found in 0.92% of patients. Most cases were isolated, but some were associated with coronary artery disease and functional milking effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Myocardial bridges are congenital anomalies where a segment of the coronary artery tunneled through heart muscle.
  • The left anterior descending (LAD) artery is a common site for myocardial bridges.
  • Prevalence and clinical significance of LAD myocardial bridges require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of myocardial bridges in the LAD coronary artery.
  • To analyze the clinical presentation and functional impact of LAD myocardial bridges.
  • To review associated coronary artery disease and literature.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 980 selective coronary angiograms.
  • Identification and classification of myocardial bridges based on angiography.
  • Assessment of functional abnormality using milking effect grading.
  • Review of patient clinical data and laboratory investigations.

Main Results:

  • Nine cases of LAD myocardial bridges were identified, yielding an overall prevalence of 0.92%.
  • Six cases were isolated myocardial bridges, while three were associated with coronary artery disease.
  • Functional abnormalities included grade III milking effect in three patients, grade II in three, and grade I in three.

Conclusions:

  • Myocardial bridges of the LAD artery are uncommon but can be functionally significant.
  • Association with coronary artery disease warrants careful evaluation in affected individuals.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of LAD myocardial bridges.

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