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Published on: June 28, 2019
Coronary slow-flow phenomenon
Louis C Paul1, Dinesh Jani, Alda Menete
1Instituto do Coraç ão de Maputo, Mozambique.
Insights
Slow contrast flow in coronary arteries, a common angiography finding, can rarely progress to severe no-flow or TIMI, posing life-threatening risks. This case highlights slow flow in a patient
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Slow contrast flow in normal coronary arteries is a recognized finding during coronary angiography.
- The most severe manifestation, no-flow or Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 0-1 flow, is rare but clinically significant.
Observation:
- A case of slow flow was observed in the left anterior descending artery.
- The patient was undergoing a routine diagnostic coronary angiogram.
Findings:
- The case presented slow contrast perfusion in a major coronary artery.
- This finding, while common in its mild form, can represent a spectrum of coronary flow abnormalities.
Implications:
- Understanding the spectrum of slow flow is crucial for accurate angiographic interpretation.
- Prompt recognition and management of severe slow flow or no-flow phenomena are essential to prevent adverse cardiac events.
Abstract:
Slow flow of the contrast in normal coronary arteries is a relatively common finding in patients undergoing routine coronary angiography. The severest form of this phenomenon is known as no flow or TIMI and is uncommon, with life-threatening consequences. We describe a case of slow flow in the left anterior descending artery of a female patient undergoing a diagnostic coronary angiogram.
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