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Acute ischemia manifestation in a patient with coronary slow flow phenomenon

Blendi Horjeti1, Artan Goda

  • 1Department of Cardiology, American Hospital, Tirana, Albania. bhorjeti@spitaliamerikan.com

Journal of Electrocardiology
|August 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Coronary slow flow phenomenon, a cause of chest pain and ischemia, improved with heparin. This condition warrants consideration in acute coronary syndrome diagnoses.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are typically associated with significant coronary artery stenosis.
  • Chest pain with normal coronary arteries presents a diagnostic challenge.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with anginal chest pain and ischemic electrocardiographic changes.
  • Coronary angiography revealed slow flow in all three coronary arteries without significant stenosis or ectasia.

Findings:

  • Intravenous unfractionated heparin infusion for 24 hours led to improved coronary flow.
  • Electrocardiographic changes indicative of ischemia showed significant improvement post-heparin treatment.

Implications:

  • Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) should be recognized as a distinct entity in the differential diagnosis of ACS.
  • Further clinical research is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimal management of chest pain associated with normal coronary arteries.

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