Coronary steal detected by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography

Abstract

Coronary steal' is frequently observed in the recipient artery supplied from collaterals. Coronary steal during stress may have an adverse effect on myocardial function even in a 'well-collateralized' territory. We experienced one case with functional occlusion in which the coronary steal phenomenon was demonstrated non-invasively using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. The noninvasive assessment of coronary flow measurement might allow us to obtain useful information for understanding the pathophysiology of coronary steal. © The Author 2011.