# Ventricular Arrhythmias Caused by Left Main Coronary Artery Vasospasm: A Diagnostic Challenge in a Cardiac Arrest Victim

## TL;DR

A case study highlights the challenge of diagnosing left main coronary artery vasospasm as a cause of cardiac arrest.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the importance of provocative tests for timely diagnosis of vasospasm in patients with atypical symptoms.

## Key findings

- Left main coronary artery vasospasm can cause sudden cardiac death and multiple cardiac arrests.
- Transient ECG and echocardiographic changes can indicate vasospasm despite normal coronary arteries.
- Provocative tests may help diagnose vasospasm and prevent future cardiac events.

## Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a common cause of cardiovascular deaths. It may be caused by primary electrical diseases, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, valvular heart diseases, or coronary artery disease (including acute coronary syndrome).

Coronary artery vasospasm is defined as a transient total or subtotal coronary artery obstruction, associated with angina symptoms and ischemic findings on electrocardiogram (ECG). It is a cause of myocardial infarction, life-threatening arrhythmias, atrioventricular block, and SCD.

A 55-year-old man presented to the hospital after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). He had a previous history of cardiovascular risk factors, excessive alcohol intake, non-obstructive coronary artery disease, and paroxysmic atrial fibrillation.

On the day of the OHCA, he had a sudden collapse while exercising, with ventricular fibrillation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after advanced life support (ALS). No ECG or echocardiographic anomalies were identified on hospital admission. The patient suffered three more episodes of cardiac arrest during the hospital stay, with atypical arrhythmic presentations. No ECG or echocardiographic abnormalities were observed after ROSC. The fourth cardiac arrest had concomitant segmental ST changes and de novoechocardiographic segmental motility abnormalities suggestive of left main coronary artery occlusion. These findings were transient, with a normal ECG and echocardiogram obtained one hour after ROSC. No electrolyte abnormalities or other causes of cardiac arrest were identified. The hypothesis of left main coronary vasospasm was raised as the likely diagnosis.

Coronary artery vasospasm is a possible cause of major cardiac events. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the transient findings and varied manifestations, often in patients with normal coronary arteries. The correct diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery vasospasm can have a determinant effect on prognosis and mortality, as appropriate treatment can lead to prolonged event-free survival. Provocative coronary vasospasm tests performed in patients with atypical cardiovascular manifestations can allow for the timely diagnosis of vasospasm and avoid critical events.

The authors aim to raise awareness of the different clinical presentations of coronary artery vasospasm and its consequences. The performance of provocative tests in selected patients should be considered to promote early diagnosis and potentially avoid major events.