A Rare Case of Vasospasm Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Leading to Total Occlusion
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Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Permanent Cerebral Vessel Occlusion via Double Ligature and Transection
Published on: July 21, 2013
1Department of Cardiology, Health Science University, Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Türkiye.
Insights
Coronary vasospasm can cause acute coronary syndrome and cardiac arrest. Prompt intracoronary nitroglycerin administration effectively resolved left anterior descending artery occlusion in a patient experiencing recurrent angina during angiography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presents with diverse symptoms, including life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Coronary vasospasm, a transient vasoconstriction, can precipitate myocardial ischemia and ACS.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male with ACS and dynamic ECG changes underwent coronary angiography.
- Initial imaging revealed no critical stenosis, but angina recurred, leading to repeat angiography.
- Total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) due to vasospasm was observed during the procedure.
Findings:
- Intracoronary nitroglycerin administration rapidly and completely resolved the LAD occlusion.
- The patient's angina symptoms were relieved following vasospasm resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for acute, severe coronary vasospasm during angiography, even with initially open arteries.
- Intracoronary nitroglycerin may be a valuable intervention for suspected vasospastic occlusion in patients with recurrent angina, particularly those without traditional risk factors.
- Early recognition and treatment of vasospastic events during cardiac procedures are crucial for patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Coronary vasospasm is characterized by transient and reversible vasoconstriction that can cause myocardial ischemia. Patients with acute coronary syndrome may present to the emergency department with various clinical features, including mortal arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Coronary angiography was performed in a 61-year-old male patient with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome due to recurrent angina attacks and dynamic changes in electrocardiography. In the patient whose critical stenosis was not detected in the first imaging, angina attack developed before the procedure was terminated. On control imaging, we detected total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery due to coronary vasospasm. After the administration of intracoronary nitroglycerin, the total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery due to vasospasm completely resolved and the angina attack relieved. It is uncommon for total stenosis to develop immediately after the coronary angiography observes open coronary arteries. However, if total stenosis is detected in patients with recurrent angina attacks without risk factors, intracoronary nitroglycerin can be administered to appropriate patients before intervention.
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