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Published on: September 15, 2023
Myocardial bridging phenomenon is not invariable: A case report
Hao-Hao Li1, Ming-Wang Liu2, Yang-Fang Zhang2
1Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
Insights
Myocardial bridging, a common condition, typically shows a consistent milking effect. However, this case reveals the milking effect can change, suggesting variability and potential autonomic nervous system involvement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Anatomical Pathology
Background:
- Myocardial bridging is a frequent congenital heart anomaly.
- The associated 'milking effect' on coronary angiography is usually considered static.
- This case challenges the traditional view of myocardial bridging's fixed nature.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
- Initial coronary angiography revealed a severe milking effect in the left anterior descending artery.
- Follow-up angiography demonstrated significant alleviation of the milking effect.
Findings:
- The observed dynamic change in the milking effect is exceptionally rare.
- This variability suggests limitations in diagnosing myocardial bridging solely via angiography.
- The phenomenon's variability may impact prognostic assessments.
Implications:
- Myocardial bridging is not invariably static and can fluctuate.
- The autonomic nervous system's role in modulating the milking effect warrants further investigation.
- Coronary angiography's diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for myocardial bridging may be limited.
Background:
Myocardial bridging is a common anatomical malformation, and the milking effect is a characteristic phenomenon of myocardial bridging in coronary angiography. Generally, the phenomenon is invariable. However, this article reports an inconceivably rare myocardial bridging phenomenon that breaks through our conventional views. The milking effect changed obviously in two coronary angiography examinations, which subverted the traditional deep-rooted view of the myocardial bridging phenomenon and revealed the limitations of coronary angiography in diagnosing myocardial bridging and judging the prognosis of it.
Case Summary:
A 63-year-old man was diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and received primary percutaneous coronary intervention on December 26, 2019. His heart rate was 104 beats per minute, and blood pressure was 15.3/10.3 kPa. A severe milking effect was found in the left anterior descending coronary artery during his index coronary angiography on January 14, 2020. The patient was given intensive medical management, including a β1-adrenergic receptor blocker, during hospitalization and after discharge. Unexpectedly, coronary angiography showed that the previous impressive milking effect was dramatically alleviated (close to normal) at the follow-up on October 13, 2020. At that moment, the patient's heart rate was 83 beats per minute, and blood pressure was 12.7/8.0 kPa.
Conclusion:
The myocardial bridging phenomenon is not invariable and, in certain circumstances, may vary. Furthermore, the autonomic nervous system may be involved in the myocardial bridging phenomenon.
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