A rare presentation of late right coronary artery spasm following aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is defined as a reversible, sudden epicardial coronary artery stenosis that causes vessel occlusion or near occlusion. CASE REPORT: In this article, we present a clinical case of CAS in a 48-year-old woman undergoing elective aortic valve replacement surgery for aortic stenosis. On the 3rd post-operative day, the patient suffered from chest pain and dyspnea. Emergent coronary angiography demonstrated a significant spasm of the ostium portion of the right coronary artery. CONCLUSION: This case shows that delayed coronary spasm should be considered as a cause of hemodynamic instability after valvular surgery. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved