Multiple life-threatening coronary artery spasms after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome

Abstract

A 69-year-old man who had been hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), underwent urgent percutaneous coronary intervention. In the subacute phase, he developed sudden chest pain and hemodynamic deterioration, and urgent coronary angiogram showed multiple coronary artery spasms. The discontinuation of beta-blocker treatment and the administration of a calcium antagonist helped prevent angina attacks. In Japanese patients who tend to have coronary artery spasm, the routine administration of beta-blockers for post-ACS patients with a preserved left ventricular systolic function should be considered carefully.