Generalized spasm of the right coronary artery after successful stent implantation provoked by intracoronary administration of ergonovine

Coronary spasm may be one of the reasons for the appearance of chest pain after successful percutaneous coronary interventions, and is potentially hazardous when myocardial ischemia occurs. Coronary spasm can be diagnosed by intracoronary administration of ergonovine as a selective spasm provocative test. We report here the case of a patient who had chest pain and ST segment elevation 10 days after successful right coronary artery stent implantation. Repeat angiography was performed, with results of no in-stent stenosis and no stenosis in other segments. Since coronary artery spasm was considered as a possible reason, a spasm provocative test was attempted. Following ergonovine administration (total dose, 50 μg) into the right coronary artery, severe spasm with 99% stenosis developed over the whole artery except the stented segment. Isosorbide dinitrate was injected immediately, and the provoked spasm was soon relieved. Intravascular ultrasound revealed no neointima at the stented segment and diffuse and mild low-echogenic concentric plaque at the distal as well as proximal segment of the stent. Most reports regarding coronary artery spasm provocative tests have focused on focal lesions before interventional therapy, or during interventional procedures. Although it is quite rare, potential coronary spasm should be considered when chest symptoms recur after percutaneous coronary interventions without angiographic representation.