Eosinophilic Coronary Periarteritis with Arterial Dissection: The Mast Cell Hypothesis

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
06:39

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2016

17.1K

Rakesh Mandal1, Erin G Brooks1, Robert F Corliss1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|March 17, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Mast cells may contribute to eosinophilic coronary periarteritis (ECPA) and arterial dissection. Increased mast cell density and degranulation were observed in dissected coronary arteries, suggesting a role in ECPA pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mast Cell Biology

Background:

  • Eosinophilic coronary periarteritis (ECPA) is linked to coronary arterial dissections, but its cause is unknown.
  • Mast cells are immune cells in coronary arteries, involved in allergic reactions.

Observation:

  • Two autopsy cases of coronary arterial dissection with ECPA were analyzed.
  • Immunohistochemistry was used to examine inflammatory cells, including mast cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages.

Findings:

  • Eosinophils were prominent, but lymphocytes were slightly more numerous.
  • Adventitial mast cell density was threefold higher in dissected arterial segments.
  • Mast cells showed increased degranulation in dissected areas.

Implications:

  • Mast cells may play a significant role in the inflammation associated with ECPA.
  • These findings suggest mast cells as potential therapeutic targets for ECPA.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of mast cell involvement in ECPA.

Keywords:
cardiac mast cellseosinophil cardiotoxicityeosinophilic coronary periarteritisforensic sciencesudden cardiac deathsudden coronary arterial dissection

More Related Videos

Isolation of Functional Cardiac Immune Cells07:26

Isolation of Functional Cardiac Immune Cells

Published on: December 5, 2011

15.7K
Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome04:45

Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Published on: June 2, 2022

3.0K

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...
802
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
620
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
5.0K
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
1.0K
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
568
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
970