Coronary subclavian steal syndrome after internal mammary artery bypass grafting. A cause of severe postoperative recurrent myocardial ischemia

A 65-year-old underwent a triple bypass: internal artery mammary-descending coronary artery, aorta diagonal-lateral coronary (sequential). Three weeks later he started to have severe angina pectoris with ST depression in anterior EKG leads. A left transradial coronary angiography was performed. The examination showed a total occlusion of the left subclavian artery 2 cm after the aortic arch and a retrograde flow in the internal mammary artery (IMA). Via transfemoral approach, angiography showed the patency of the aorto-veinous sequential graft and a retrograde flow through anastomosis in the left mammary artery. The patient underwent a reimplantation of the IMA on the brachiocephalic artery. One month later the patient is doing well without chest pain. A coronary subclavian steal syndrome should be suspected in case of recurrent ischaemia after IMA bypass, particularly if there is more than 20 mmHg systolic pressure differential between the arms. Left transradial approach achieved diagnostic in case of total left subclavian artery occlusion.     

经右桡动脉冠状动脉造影时右锁骨下动脉和(或)头臂干迂曲致选择左冠状动脉口困难的处理

目的探讨经右桡动脉冠状动脉造影时右锁骨下动脉和(或)头臂干迂曲致选择左冠状动脉口困难的处理方法。方法经右桡动脉行冠状动脉造影时,由于右锁骨下动脉和(或)头臂干迂曲,致共用导管选择左冠状动脉口困难,此时将共用导管前端即第一、二弯之间及第二弯近段徒手塑形,使其弯曲度增大,观察用此方法行选择性左冠状动脉造影的结果及安全性。结果 35例选择左冠状动脉口困难的患者均造影成功,成功率100%,无相关并发症发生。28例患者经造影确诊冠心病。结论经右桡动脉冠状动脉造影时右锁骨下动脉和(或)头臂干迂曲致选择左冠状动脉口困难时,行导管前端塑形是一种有效、简便、安全且经济的方法。     

A very unusual origin of left subclavian artery

The left internal mammary artery, a branch of the left subclavian artery, is the most commonly used arterial graft during coronary artery bypass grafting. Although extremely rare, an abnormal origin of left subclavian artery may lead to a difficult coronary angiography procedure or result in a catastrophic complication if iatrogenically occluded during a stent-graft repair of thoracic aneurysm. We present a case of an unusual anomalous origin of the left subclavian artery, which was discovered during a diagnostic coronary angiography.     

Simple and new technique to assess left internal mammary artery function by left ventriculography

The aim of this study was to demonstrate an assessment of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) patency and anatomy by standard left ventriculography, and to define a proposal for predicting LIMA function according to left ventriculography outcome. A total of 335 patients with an indication of coronary angiography were included. Standard coronary angiography and left ventriculography were performed initially. Visualization of LIMA occurred in the late phase of ventriculography and the LIMA visualization frame rate was counted for each patient. Then selective LIMA angiography was performed and LIMA diameter, LIMA course and anatomy, and subclavian artery anatomy were noted. Finally, the results of left ventriculography and LIMA angiography were compared by statistical analysis. During left ventriculography, LIMA was visualized in 96.4% of the patients. The mean LIMA visualization frame rate was 53.8 ± 17.7 and the mean LIMA diameter was 2.60 ± 0.36 mm. There was a strong correlation between LIMA visualization frame rate and LIMA diameter, LIMA course, and also asymptomatic subclavian artery disease (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that LIMA visualization frame rate is the major independent determinant for LIMA diameter prediction (P < 0.001); LIMA diameter, LIMA course, proximal LIMA side branch, and subclavian artery disease are the major predictors of LIMA visualization on left ventriculography (P < 0.001). LIMA patency and anatomy can be evaluated accurately with a simple method using left ventriculography. Besides direct visualization of LIMA, the visualization frame rate may constitute a reliable parameter for assessing LIMA function. A LIMA visualization frame rate of less than 50 is associated with a healthy and well-sized LIMA.     

Incidental finding of arteria lusoria during transradial coronary catheterization: Significance in interventional cardiology

Arteria lusoria is the most common anomaly of the aortic arch with an incidence of 0.5%–2.5%. It is mostly diagnosed incidentally while performing imaging for evaluation of other unrelated medical conditions. The aberrant right subclavian artery arises beyond the origin of the left subclavian artery from the aortic arch. This results in a complex right‐subclavian‐aortic anatomy which leads to difficulty in transradial coronary angiography. This can lead to prolonged procedure time and increased use of catheters by unaware interventionists. This is even more important if this is encountered in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction. Our review takes into account clinical significance of this uncommon anomaly in the field of interventional cardiology.     

Experience with preformed catheters for coronary angiography by the brachial approach.

Experience with a simplified technique for selective coronary angiography by the brachial cutdown approach using preformed coronary catheters in over 500 cases is described. This technique has facilitated selective catheterization of the coronary arteries in patients where use of the Sones catheter has proven difficult or impossible. Particularly, coronary arteries in patients with a dilated aortic root, high-rising left coronary artery or tortuous subclavian artery are easily catheterized with the preformed catheters described in this report. Shortened procedure time, an acceptable morbidity (1.4%) and mortality (0.2%), and improved coronary opacification by virtue of the ease in selectively entering the coronary ostia make these preformed catheters a useful modification to coronary angiography by the transbrachial approach.     

Experience with Preformed Catheters for Coronary Angiography by the Brachial Approach

Experience with a simplified technique for selective coronary angiography by the brachial cutdown approach using preformed coronary catheters in over 500 cases is described. This technique has facilitated selective catheterization of the coronary arteries in patients where use of the Sones catheter has proven difficult or impossible. Particularly, coronary arteries in patients with a dilated aortic root, high-rising left coronary artery or tortuous subclavian artery are easily catheterized with the preformed catheters described in this report. Shortened procedure time, an acceptable morbidity (1.4%) and mortality (0.2%), and improved coronary opacification by virtue of the ease in selectively entering the coronary ostia make these preformed catheters a useful modification to coronary angiography by the transbrachial approach.     

Prevalence and treatment of proximal left subclavian artery stenosis in patients referred for coronary artery bypass surgery

The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is currently used in most coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries due to excellent long-term patency. Left subclavian artery stenosis (SAS) proximal to the LIMA origin can cause a steal syndrome leading to myocardial ischemia or LIMA failure. We retrospectively evaluated the records of 608 consecutive patients referred for CABG at our institution between October 1, 2004 and October 1, 2006 and identified 226 patients (37%) who underwent left subclavian angiography immediately after diagnostic coronary angiography. Significant left SAS was found in 6 of those 226 patients (2.7%). Subclavian angiography did not result in any complications. All left SAS lesions were successfully stented, followed by CABG surgery (using the LIMA artery) after 22+/-7 days. Left subclavian angiography in patients referred for coronary artery bypass surgery has low risk and may identify a small proportion of patients with significant proximal left SAS. Stenting of proximal left SAS can be accomplished before CABG with low risk and excellent short-term outcomes.     

Isolation of the left subclavian artery

Two cases of isolation of the left subclavian artery from the aortic arch are reported for the rarity of this lesion. One patient was diagnosed clinically, the other after angiography. The isolated left subclavian artery was reimplanted in one patient. This rare anomaly has clinical and surgical relevance and should be diagnosed by diligent clinical and angiographic evaluation.     

Cardiogenic Shock After Arterial Y-Graft Coronary Bypass Surgery Secondary to Critical Stenoses of the Left Subclavian and Left Main Coronary Arteries

We present a case of a 62-year-old man who was in cardiogenic shock. He had a history of coronary artery bypass grafting 4 years previously, with left internal mammary radial artery Y-grafting to a left dominant coronary circulation. Critical stenoses of the left main coronary and left subclavian arteries were seen at angiography. An occluded abdominal aorta precluded the use of mechanical circulatory support. The patient underwent high-risk stenting of the left subclavian artery with a successful outcome. The case highlights the unresolved issue of screening for subclavian stenoses in patients being considered for revascularization with arterial Y-grafting.     

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome: treatment by stenting of the left subclavian artery

A 48-year-old Turkish male presented with worsening angina and a painful left hand eight years after coronary artery bypass surgery. Coronary angiography showed extensive coronary atherosclerosis with patent vein grafts to his diagonal branch and right coronary arteries. There was a severe narrowing lesion in the left subclavian artery before the origin of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), which appeared patent. Percutaneous subclavian angioplasty and stent implantation to the left subclavian artery stenosis restored normal flow to the left hand and the LIMA with abolition of his ischemic hand symptom and marked improvement of his angina.     

主动脉夹层合并冠心病联合介入26例疗效评价

目的评价冠心病合并Stanford B型主动脉夹层的患者行冠脉介入治疗(PCI)和覆膜支架联合介入治疗的疗效和安全性。方法收集2002年4月至2010年10月沈阳军区总医院完成的26例覆膜支架联合PCI治疗Stan-ford B型主动脉夹层合并冠心病患者,首先完成主动脉夹层覆膜支架置入术,3～7 d后完成PCI。观察近期及远期疗效。结果经桡动脉行主动脉造影:其中1例2个破口,夹层破口位于左锁骨下动脉外缘分别为15 mm和100 mm;其余25例均为单破口,夹层破口位于左锁骨下动脉外缘10 mm以下8例、10～30 mm 11例,>30～100 mm 6例。置入26枚支架,8例覆膜支架近心端部分或完全封闭左锁骨下动脉,术后左上肢桡动脉波动稍有减弱,但无上肢和脑缺血的症状。覆膜支架置入成功率100%。术后即刻造影:16例近端破口完全封堵,13例少量残余内漏。冠状动脉造影证实单支病变16例,2支病变8例,3支病变2例。靶病变平均狭窄(85.6±15.0)%,靶血管参考直径(2.8±0.3)mm。对32支靶血管共置入36枚支架。支架平均长度(25.5±13.6)mm。PCI即刻成功率100%,无PCI相关严重并发症发生。随访期12～114个月[平均(60±35)个月],26例均存活,无迟发内漏或需二次手术者及不良心脏事件发生。结论覆膜支架联合PCI治疗Stanford B型主动脉夹层合并冠心病安全可行,手术成功率高,术后患者恢复快,冠脉PCI的抗凝治疗未对大动脉覆膜支架术后构成不良影响,近、远期疗效可靠。     

ST-Segment elevation acute myocardial infarction due to severe hypotension and proximal left subclavian artery stenosis in a prior coronary artery bypass graft patient

Proximal subclavian artery stenosis may result in cardiac ischemia in coronary artery bypass graft patients with internal mammary grafts. We report a case of acute anterior myocardial infarction in such a patient who developed severe systemic hypotension. Symptoms and electrocardiographic changes resolved after proximal left subclavian artery stenting. Subclavian angiography should be considered in all prior coronary artery bypass graft patients with internal mammary grafts undergoing coronary angiography.     

Degenerative aortic valvular stenosis, coronary atherosclerosis, and coronary artery aneurysms: different anatomical manifestations of the same disease

We report a rare combination of valvular aortic stenosis, coronary atherosclerosis and numerous coronary artery aneurysms. A 80 year-old man with previously diagnosed aortic valvular stenosis was admitted to our department for coronary angiography before planned aortic valve replacement. Coronary angiography, apart from critical stenosis of proximal part of left anterior descendent branch of left coronary artery, revealed several large coronary artery aneurysms. We discuss the potential mechanisms responsible for coronary aneurysm formation.     

Percutaneous revascularization of the “unprotected” left main during acute myocardial infarction: “Dare to struggle! Dare to Win!”

Knowing the location of the vertebral and the internal mammary artery ostia is crucial during proximal subclavian artery percutaneous intervention to prevent inadvertent injury to either artery. We report a case of severe proximal left subclavian artery stenosis in a patient with a three‐vessel disease referred to coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Retrograde angiography via left radial access allowed visualization of the left internal mammary artery and the left vertebral artery ostia and placement of a Filterwire in the left vertebral artery. The proximal left subclavian artery was successfully stented without complications. Debris was retrieved in the Filterwire. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Left anterior descending artery of anomalous origin; Native lad arises from left internal mammarian artery. A case report and article review

Coronary artery anomalies are encountered in 2.6% of the population. Left anterior descending artery (LAD) stemming from a separate ostium is seen at a rate of 0.48%. In this case, we reported on a left internal mammarian artery (LIMA) giving rise to LAD. Coronary angiography was performed through the right radial artery in 54-year-old female patient. It did not reveal the presence of left main coronary artery in all three aortic sinuses. Pulmonary angiography also did not demonstrate LAD stemming from the pulmonary artery. Then, the LIMA was selectively visualized, and LAD originating from LIMA was observed. The PubMed database contains no reports of LIMA giving rise to LAD. This is the first case report demonstrating LAD originating from LIMA. Accordingly, if LAD cannot be visualized during angiography, an angiographic image of LIMA should be taken before a diagnosis of atresic LAD. For angiographic examination, the right radial route can be used.     

'Cold hand, ischemic heart': treatment by stenting of the left subclavian artery

A 59-year-old man presented with worsening angina and a cold, painful left hand, eight years after coronary artery bypass surgery. Coronary angiography showed extensive coronary atherosclerosis with blocked vein grafts to his left circumflex and right coronary arteries. There was a severe narrowing in the left subclavian artery before the origin of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) which appeared patent. PTCA and stent implantation to the left subclavian artery stenosis restored normal flow to the left hand and the LIMA with abolition of his ischemic hand symptoms and marked improvement of his angina.     

Coronary-subclavian steal syndrome: an usual cause of refractory unstable angina

A 73 year old woman, with previous history of coronary artery bypass grafting, was admitted for refractory unstable angina. The angiography revealed a significant stenosis of the ostium of the left subclavian artery. The patient underwent successful stenting of the subclavian artery and remained symptom free until hospital discharge a few days later.     

Takayasu arteritis with multiple cardiovascular complications

A 60-year-old Japanese woman first presented in 1990 with effort angina. She underwent coronary angiography and was diagnosed with bilateral coronary ostial stenosis and Takayasu arteritis. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) for multiple vessels was attempted, but the blood flow in the bilateral internal thoracic and gastroepiploic arteries was to poor for a donor artery, and the calcification of the ascending aortic wall was too severe for anastomosis of saphenous vein grafts. Therefore, the proper hepatic artery was connected to the left anterior descending artery using a vein graft. In April 2000, the patient's angina worsened. Occlusions of both subclavian arteries, bilateral coronary ostial stenosis and vein graft occlusion, aortic valve regurgitation, and two severe stenoses of the descending aorta were observed. Aortic valve replacement, and coronary and aorta revascularization were desirable, but the severe aortic wall calcification and thickening rendered these interventions impossible. Treatment with medication was chosen. The patient was discharged without severe angina. A combination of these serious cardiovascular complications which do not allow any surgical intervention is very rare. Received: May 21, 2001 / Accepted: August 24, 2001     

Double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery accompanied by dyspnea: A case report and literature review

Double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery is a rare type of vascular ring, and it can be easily confused with the right aortic arch with mirror branching. We provided a rare case of a 10‐month‐old infant with dyspnea. Echocardiography showed a suspicious double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery, which was confirmed intra‐operatively. We summarize ultrasonic image characteristics of the disease and combine it with computed tomography angiography, bronchoscopy, and clinical symptoms in order to improve the detection rate and treatment strategy.