The coronary slow flow phenomenon--a new coronary microvascular disorder.
The coronary slow flow phenomenon is an angiographic finding characterized by delayed distal vessel opacification in the absence of significant epicardial coronary disease. Case-control and observational studies of patients with this phenomenon were conducted to determine the associated clinical features and prognosis. Patients with coronary slow flow (n = 47) differed from controls (n = 47), more often being current smokers (32 vs. 9%; p < 0.01) and presenting with rest pain requiring urgent admission (74 vs. 21%; p < 0.001), usually to the coronary care unit (66 vs. 17%; p < 0.01). During a median 21-month follow-up of 64 slow flow patients, 84% had recurrent chest pain. Based upon these findings and those of previous investigators, it is speculated that coronary slow flow is a new disease entity characterized by acute but recurrent perturbations of microvascular function.
Beltrame
John F
JF
Cardiology Unit, North Western Adelaide Health Service, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Campus, Adelaide University, 28 Woodville Road, Woodville South, SA 5011, Australia. john.beltrane@adelaide.edu.au
Limaye
Sananand B
SB
Horowitz
John D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology