ABSTRACT: Coronary angiography and intervention can be performed safely using the radial artery. However, arterial spasm is often encountered and usually amenable to nitrate/verapamil therapy. Rarely, surgical intervention is required to remove catheters and wires. Intra-arterial papavarine can be used to treat severe radial artery spasm and prevent the need for urgent surgical intervention.

J INVASIVE CARDIOL 2008;20:551–552

Case Report. A 46-year-old female presented with a 2-month history of nonexertional left-sided chest pain radiating to

ABSTRACT: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare but important cause of acute coronary syndromes. SCAD can cause unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Predisposing factors include atherosclerosis, the peripartum period, and structural and inflammatory conditions affecting the arterial wall. The diagnosis of coronary dissection is usually made by coronary angiography. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients with dissection improves survival. Therapeutic options include medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and surg

ABSTRACT: Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (LCA) from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare cause of ischemia, heart failure and/or sudden death. A premortem diagnosis beyond early childhood is exceedingly rare because over 90% of untreated infants die in the first 12 months of life. We present a case of an asymptomatic fourteen-year old male with ALCAPA diagnosed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography, who was successfully treated by surgical coronary transfer of the ALCAPA with reimplantation of the LCA to the aortic root.

J