‘The monthly curse’: menstrual-associated coronary artery vasospasm in a premenopausal woman—a case report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Catamenial coronary vasospasm has recently been recognized as a refractory form of vasospastic angina, characterized by recurrent episodes of chest pain that are temporally associated with the menstrual cycle. Case summary: A 38-year-old premenopausal woman presented to our hospital with chest pain. Upon entering the cold examination room, she experienced chest pain identical in character to her previous episodes. Electrocardiography revealed ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads. Sublingual administration of nitroglycerin resulted in the prompt relief of symptoms and resolution of ST-segment changes. Subsequent coronary angiography revealed no obstructive coronary lesions, leading to the diagnosis of coronary vasospasm. A comprehensive clinical history revealed that all episodes of chest pain occurred consistently in the days preceding the onset of menstruation. She was closely monitored in an outpatient setting and was prescribed a combination of benidipine and nicorandil. Unfortunately, the patient was transferred to our hospital following an episode of cardiopulmonary arrest. Emergency coronary angiography revealed critical stenosis due to vasospasm in the ostium of the right coronary artery. The patient died despite receiving intensive care. Discussion: During the late luteal and menstrual phases, circulating oestrogen levels decline to their lowest point, potentially increasing susceptibility to coronary vasospasms. In recent years, oestrogen replacement therapy has been reported to confer therapeutic benefits in this patient population. Early multidisciplinary collaboration involving gynaecologists and timely initiation of hormonal therapy may alter the clinical course and prevent fatal outcomes in such patients.
Authors: Akari Odagi, Kensuke Matsumoto, Tetsu Yamazaki, Satoru Kawasaki, Hogara Nishisaki
Institution: Hyogo Prefectural Tamba Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $815
OpenAlex ID: W4414793377