[Myocardial bridge of the coronary arteries and its clinical significance]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Myocardial bridge is a congenital coronary artery anomaly.
• It presents as systolic narrowing on angiograms.
• Coronary veins are rarely involved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the functional significance of myocardial bridging.
• To explore its association with cardiac symptoms and conditions.
• To outline surgical indications and approaches.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on myocardial bridging.
• Analysis of reported cases and clinical associations.
• Discussion of surgical techniques for symptomatic cases.

Main Results:

• The functional significance of myocardial bridging remains controversial.
• While typically asymptomatic, it has been linked to angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
• The mechanisms of ischemia and links to atherosclerosis are unclear.

Conclusions:

• Symptomatic myocardial bridges warrant surgical intervention.
• Surgical options include simple section of the bridge or combined procedures with aortocoronary bypass or angioplasty for associated atheromatous lesions.