Vasospastic angina diagnosed by the spasm provocation test with the combined use of the acetylcholine and ergonovine provocation tests

Abstract

The spasm provocation test (SPT) is important for diagnosing vasospastic angina (VSA), and acetylcholine (ACh) is usually used for this test in Japan. However, some patients with VSA have negative SPT results with the use of the standard ACh regimen alone. We herein report two cases in which VSA was diagnosed by the SPT with the combined use of ACh and ergonovine (EM). VSA could not be diagnosed in either case by the SPT using ACh infusions alone. For patients with negative SPT results, cardiologists should consider performing the SPT using a combination of ACh and EM.