Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term prognosis of non-interventionally followed patients with myocardial bridge and angiographic milking of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.
Methods: All of the coronary angiography records from May 2000 to November 2007 were reevaluated and patients who had more than 70% narrowing during systole on LAD were eligible for the present study. Follow-up was carried out by physical examination, echocardiography, and treadmill exercise testing. The clinical situations of the patients, medical treatment at the time of follow-up, and experienced events (death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization) were recorded.
Results: There were 59 eligible patients (44 male, 74.6%). The mean age of the patients was 54 +/- 11 years. The bridges were located in the proximal, mid, and distal portion of the LAD in 17 (28.8%), 20 (33.9%), and 22 (37.3%) patients, respectively. Distributions of the narrowing degree were as follows: between 70% to 89% in 33 (56%) patients and 90% to 100% in 26 (44%) patients. Mean follow-up duration of the group was 37 +/- 13 months (range 15-65 mo). The clinical presentation during follow-up was stable angina in 9 (15.3%) cases, atypical angina in 12 (20.3%), atypical chest pain in 13 (22%), dyspnea in 3 (5.1%), and syncope in 3 (5.1%) cases. There were no experienced events and/or hospitalizations related to cardiac disease. Echocardiographic examination revealed normal systolic ventricular function. Only 17 (28.8%) patients continued to use medication. Most of them were on beta-blocker therapy.
Conclusion: Patients with myocardial bridges and angiographic milking of the LAD coronary artery have a good long-term prognosis.