PCI Complications: Coronary Spasm

Editors-In-Chief: Alexandra Almonacid M.D. and Jeffrey J. Popma M.D.

Definition
Coronary spasm is commonly defined as a transient or sustained reduction in the diameter stenosis by more than 50% in an arterial segment with insignificant (< 25%) baseline narrowing.

Incidence
Coronary spasm may be present in approximately 5% of cases, but its frequency has been reduced with the routine use of coronary vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers. Wire straightening of the vessel can mimic coronary spasm.