Background: Recurrent ST-segment elevations in acute coronary syndromes have been attributed to coronary cyclic flow variations (CCFVs) possibly due to coronary vasospasm and unstable platelet aggregation in partially occluded arteries.
Methods: We describe the case of a patient with an acute myocardial infarction, recurrent ST-segment elevations and diffuse disease of the left anterior descending artery.
Results: The post-angiography 12-lead continuous ECG monitoring revealed cyclic anterior ST-segment elevations that were completely abolished with continuous intravenous infusion of low-dose isosorbide-dinitrate.
Conclusion: The complete and sustained response to low-dose nitrate suggests that vasoconstriction plays a crucial role to provoke CCFVs. This case underlines the importance of continuous 12-lead ECG monitoring with ST-segment trend analysis in the CCU.
Keywords: Cyclic flow variations; Myocardial infarction; ST-segment monitoring; electrocardiography; nitroglycerin.
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