Long-segment coronary ulcerations in survivors of sudden cardiac death

Ying Sui A. Lo, Joel E. Cutler, Allan Wright, Jack Kron, Kathleen Blake, Charles D. Swerdlow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Angiographically irregular coronary stenoses usually represent plaque rupture with or without superimposed thrombi. Long-segment coronary stenoses with diffuse irregularities (type IIB morphology) have been shown to be more prevalent than focal irregular lesions (type IIA morphology) in survivors of cardiac arrest without acute myocardial infarction. To further understand the pathogenetic importance of type IIB morphology, the clinical and angiographic characteristics in 59 such patients were analyzed. Type IIB lesions accounted for 63% of all type II lesions. Type IIB patients were older than type IIA patients (p < 0.05). There was a tendency for type IIB morphology to be associated with more extensive disease than other types of lesion morphology (p < 0.10). Type IIB morphology probably reflects more advanced atherosclerosis. Platelet microemboli may precipitate spasm and/or acute ischemic ventricular tachyarrhythmias. It is possible that long-segment coronary ulcerations are associated with a higher risk for local coronary thromboembolism, and hence with sudden death, than focal lesions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1444-1447
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican heart journal
Volume116
Issue number6 PART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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