Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
10:28

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function

Published on: March 15, 2022

Dynamic Resolution of Coronary Vasospasm: The Clasp-Knife Sign

Ali Sezgin1, Hacı Ali Kurklu1, Ayse Avara1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye.

JACC. Case Reports
|July 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Coronary vasospasm can mimic heart attacks, leading to unnecessary procedures. Recognizing the "clasp-knife sign" on angiography helps distinguish vasospasm from clots, guiding appropriate conservative management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Coronary vasospasm can present with symptoms mimicking acute coronary syndromes.
  • Failure to recognize vasospasm may result in inappropriate percutaneous coronary intervention.
  • ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can be mimicked by coronary vasospasm.
Abstract

Keywords:
STEMI mimicclasp-knife signcoronary angiographycoronary vasospasmnitroglycerin

More Related Videos

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders06:39

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2016

Acetylcholine Re-Challenge After Intracoronary Nitroglycerine Administration07:59

Acetylcholine Re-Challenge After Intracoronary Nitroglycerine Administration

Published on: April 4, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Vascular Spasm01:16

Vascular Spasm

The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last for...