Angelini P

Language: English
References: 18
Page: 495-498
PDF size: 77.77 Kb.

ABSTRACT

The subject of MB’s of the coronary arteries is typically discussed in the literature on the basis of unusual, but alarming and critical presentations. We propose an update of the currently available concepts and information focusing on the fact that a comprehensive understanding of such a frequent congenital anomaly needs to openly account for its apparent compatibility with normal function, for most of the life of the patient. Recent observations in clinical cases included the use of pressure-wire, Doppler flow-wire, intravascular ultrasound imaging. Each new method introduces additional diagnostic signs, which are characteristic of MB’s. Unfortunately, we remain with great uncertainties as to the reasons why a specific clinical event (myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, sudden death, typically) occurs. As a consequence, even though both interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons have perfected effective interventions to correct the (systolic) compression of the affected coronary artery, both the indication to intervene and the proof of effectiveness are still quite incomplete.

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