[Coronary microembolization: perfusion-contraction mismatch secondary to myocardial inflammation].
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is a key event in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes and during coronary interventions. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture does not necessarily lead to thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery and subsequent myocardial infarction. Milder forms may result in the embolization of atherosclerotic and/or thrombotic debris into the coronary microcirculation. The characteristic consequences of coronary microembolization are arrhythmias, microinfarcts, and a reduced coronary reserve. Experimental studies revealed that an inflammatory reaction is causally involved in the progressive contractile dysfunction following coronary microembolization. Thus, anti-inflammatory treatment appears as a promising strategy to protect patients from the consequences of coronary microembolization.
Skyschally
Andreas
A
Institut für Pathophysiologie, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinikum, Essen.
Schulz
Rainer
R
Haude
Michael
M
Erbel
Raimund
R
Heusch
Gerd
G
D000818:Animals; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000276:immunology*; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000276:immunology*; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000276:immunology*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*