Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)
13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)

Published on: April 24, 2017

LAD coronary artery myocardial bridging and apical ballooning syndrome

Federico Migliore1, Erica Maffei, Martina Perazzolo Marra

  • 1Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging
|January 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Myocardial bridging, a condition where heart muscle covers a coronary artery, is common in apical ballooning syndrome (ABS). This finding suggests it may play a role in causing ABS, a condition of reversible left ventricular dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) involves reversible left ventricular dysfunction, often triggered by stress.
  • The exact cause of ABS remains unclear.
  • Myocardial bridging is a congenital anomaly where a segment of a coronary artery is partially or fully encased by heart muscle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of myocardial bridging in patients with apical ballooning syndrome (ABS).
  • To investigate the potential role of myocardial bridging in the pathogenesis of ABS.

Main Methods:

  • 42 ABS patients and 401 controls underwent coronary angiography (CA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA).
  • Myocardial bridging was identified by dynamic compression on CA and by myocardial encasement on CTA.
  • Prevalence of myocardial bridging in ABS patients was compared to controls.

Main Results:

  • Myocardial bridging was detected by CTA in 76% of ABS patients and by CA in 40%.
  • ABS patients had a significantly higher prevalence of myocardial bridging in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) compared to controls (CTA: 76% vs. 31%; CA: 40% vs. 8%).
  • All cases with dynamic compression on CA also showed bridging on CTA.

Conclusions:

  • Myocardial bridging of the LAD is a frequent finding in ABS patients.
  • Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is highly effective in detecting myocardial bridging in ABS.
  • Myocardial bridging is suggested as a potential substrate in the pathogenesis of apical ballooning syndrome.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Surgical Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Treated by Exosome-laden Collagen Patch and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft05:25

Surgical Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Treated by Exosome-laden Collagen Patch and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

Published on: September 15, 2023

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing12:45

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing

Published on: December 11, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Coronary Circulation01:21

Coronary Circulation

The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...