[Coronary artery spasm. Study of 66 patients]

We report the vasoactive effects of ergonovine maleate in 66 patients with chest pain and abnormal angiographic studies. In 42 patients this medication was injected directly in the coronary arteries, and in 24 in the aorta. We observed better vasospastic effect in the first group with the advantage of lesser dosage and less side effects. In 25 cases we deemed necessary the administration of intracoronary nitroglycerin due to evident positivity of the test (diameter reduction bigger than 60% or between 30 and 60% of any epicardial branch associated with chest pain and or ST segment shift on the electrocardiogram). Ergonovine and nitroglycerin solutions were prepared during the study without discernible morbidity. We discuss the indications of the ergonovine test: precordial pain with non-significant obstructive lesions, in patients without vasoactive medications for at least 24 hours.