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Rupture of coronary vasa vasorum as a trigger of acute myocardial infarction

A C Barger1, R Beeuwkes

  • 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|November 6, 1990
PubMed

Insights

The study identified nutrient vessels (vasa vasorum) in coronary arteries, revealing neovascularization near atherosclerotic plaques. These findings suggest a role for vasa vasorum in heart disease development and morning heart attack variations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Vascular Anatomy
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • The existence and role of vasa vasorum in human coronary arteries have been debated.
  • Understanding these vessels is crucial for comprehending coronary artery disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To visualize and characterize the vasa vasorum within human coronary arteries.
  • To investigate the association between vasa vasorum and atherosclerotic plaques.
  • To explore the potential contribution of vasa vasorum to coronary artery disease complications.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cinemicrography with silicone polymer injections.
  • Examined cleared human heart specimens.

Main Results:

  • Successfully identified vasa vasorum in coronary arteries.
  • Observed neovascularization in areas adjacent to atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Coronary artery walls with atherosclerotic injury showed a potential richness in vasa vasorum capillaries.

Conclusions:

  • Vasa vasorum play a significant role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Fragile neovascular structures of vasa vasorum may contribute to intramural hemorrhage and vascular spasm.
  • Rupture of these neovascular structures could explain circadian variations in myocardial infarction.

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