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Vasospastic angina in a patient with hyperthyroidism.
U Canpolat1, H Sunman, K M Gürses
1Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, 06100, Sihhiye/Ankara, Turkey. dru_canpolat@yahoo.com
Herz
|March 13, 2012
Summary
This case report details a patient experiencing chest pain due to coronary artery spasm, triggered by hyperthyroidism from iodinated contrast. Routine thyroid function tests are recommended for patients with coronary spasm.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Coronary artery spasm can present with symptoms mimicking myocardial infarction.
- Iodinated contrast agents are commonly used in cardiac imaging and procedures.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old man developed prolonged angina and ST-segment elevation after coronary angiography.
- Coronary angiography revealed critical left anterior descending artery stenosis, which resolved with nitrates.
- The patient was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, likely induced by the iodinated contrast agent, causing coronary spasm.
Findings:
- Hyperthyroidism secondary to iodinated contrast exposure was identified as the cause of coronary artery spasm.
- Symptoms resolved with a treatment regimen including propylthiouracil, diltiazem, isosorbide mononitrate, and aspirin.
Implications:
- Hyperthyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chest pain and coronary artery spasm.
- Routine thyroid function testing may be beneficial in patients experiencing coronary spasm, particularly after contrast exposure.
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