Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
Coronary Vasospasm Presenting in a Catastrophic Way
Kei-Tung Wong1, Chor-Cheung Frankie Tam2, Tak-Shun Chung1
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Insights
Coronary artery vasospasm, a fatal condition, caused sudden cardiac arrest in a patient. A multimodality approach diagnosed severe coronary artery vasospasm, crucial for patient management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Coronary artery vasospasm is a potentially fatal condition often underdiagnosed.
- It can present as sudden cardiac arrest, even in individuals without typical coronary artery disease.
- Prompt diagnosis is critical for effective patient management.
Abstract:
Coronary artery vasospasm is an under-recognized yet fatal condition that can manifest as sudden cardiac arrest. A 51-year-old man presented with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation during exercise. Coronary angiogram showed severe disease at ostial left main coronary artery and left anterior descending artery (LAD), that was not present anymore on repeated angiography and intravascular ultrasound assessment. Cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated evidence of prior myocardial infarction in the LAD territory. Acetylcholine challenge test was performed that induced severe left main coronary artery and LAD spasm. Coronary artery vasospasm has contributed to a significant proportion of patients presenting with coronary artery disease. Establishing the correct diagnosis is detrimental to future management of patients. This case highlighted a multimodality approach in the diagnosis of coronary vasospasm.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

