Postinfarction angina caused by coronary arterial spasm.

Recurrent ST-segment elevations in leads where new Q waves developed were repeatedly recorded in six patients during a recovery phase of acute myocardial infarction. Such ST-segment elevations were transient, occurred with or without chest pain, and returned to control levels. No enzymatic changes signifying recurrent myocardial necrosis were found after each episode. Selective coronary cineangiography in one patient demonstrated a mild segmental stenosis in the coronary artery perfusing the infarcted area; this artery became completely occluded after administration of i.v. ergonovine. Administration of calcium antagonists effectively reduced the frequency of postinfarction angina and ST-segment elevations. The clinical features suggest that the postinfarction angina in these patients is produced by coronary arterial spasm and that coronary arterial spasm may cause severe life-threatening dysrhythmias.