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Coronary artery spasm and mitral valve prolapse
Insights
Coronary artery spasm was found in 10 patients, with most having normal arteries and mitral valve prolapse. This suggests a link between these conditions and potential cardiac issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Coronary artery spasm is a cause of chest pain.
- Mitral valve prolapse is associated with various cardiac symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between coronary artery spasm and mitral valve prolapse.
- To explore the potential role of coronary artery spasm in mitral valve prolapse-related complications.
Main Methods:
- Selective coronary arteriography was performed on patients.
- Patients with coronary artery spasm were identified and analyzed.
- The presence and location of mitral valve prolapse were assessed in these patients.
Main Results:
- Ten patients (1.34%) showed evidence of coronary artery spasm.
- Eight of these 10 patients had normal coronary arteries.
- Nine of the 10 patients with coronary artery spasm also had mitral valve prolapse.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between coronary artery spasm and mitral valve prolapse.
- Coronary artery spasm may contribute to chest pain, arrhythmias, and sudden death in patients with mitral valve prolapse.
Abstract:
Ten patients, representing 1.34 per cent of those patients undergoing selective coronary arteriography, were found to have unequivocal evidence of coronary artery spasm. This involved the proximal right coronary artery in eight patients, the mid-left anterior descending branch in one, and the left main coronary artery in one. Eight of these 10 patients had otherwise normal coronary arteries. Of these 10 patients with coronary artery spasm, nine had evidence of mitral valve prolapse. This involved the posteromedial scallop in six patients; the anterolateral and posteromedial scallops in one; the middle and posteromedial scallops in one; and the anterolateral, middle, and posteromedial scallops in one. These data suggest an association between coronary artery spasm and mitral valve prolapse. Coronary artery spasm may thus be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the chest pain, arrhythmias, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and sudden death, that have already been described in some patients with mitral valve prolapse.