Myocardial Bridging as a Differential Diagnosis for Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report
Carter Gay1, Colby Kihara1, Arsh N Patel1
1Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA.
Cureus
|May 11, 2023
Summary
Myocardial bridging, a condition where a heart artery segment is covered by muscle, can cause serious cardiac events like ischemia and infarction. This case highlights that myocardial bridging is not always benign and requires careful consideration in patients with chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Myocardial bridging is a congenital anomaly where a segment of a coronary artery travels through the heart muscle.
- Traditionally considered a benign condition, its role in causing myocardial ischemia is increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with acute chest pain and ST-segment elevation on ECG.
- Cardiac catheterization revealed myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending artery.
- No obstructive coronary artery disease was found.
Findings:
- Myocardial bridging, in this case, was associated with symptoms and ECG changes suggestive of ischemia.
- The bridging segment did not show significant stenosis but was implicated in the acute cardiac event.
Implications:
- This case underscores that myocardial bridging can be a cause of myocardial ischemia and infarction.
- Clinicians should consider myocardial bridging in the differential diagnosis of patients with unexplained chest pain and ischemic ECG changes.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and long-term risks associated with myocardial bridging.
Keywords:
coronary angiographymyocardial bridgingmyocardial infarctionmyocardial ischemiast-segment elevationMore Related Videos
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