Coronary artery spasm--a case with fatal outcome

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Spontaneous coronary artery spasm (SCAS) is a rare cause of angina.
• It can lead to serious cardiovascular events, including sudden cardiac death.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old man presented with nocturnal angina.
• Coronary angiography revealed spontaneous spasm in the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries.

Findings:

• Despite treatment with a beta-blocker and nitroglycerin, the patient experienced sudden cardiac death one month post-investigation.
• This case highlights the potential severity and poor prognosis of SCAS.

Implications:

• Current pharmacological treatments may be insufficient for managing SCAS.
• Exploring alternative or combination therapies is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with SCAS.
• Further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of SCAS is warranted.