Three cases of vasospastic angina that developed following the initiation of corticosteroid therapy

Intern Med. 2014;53(3):221-5. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.53.1008.

Abstract

Three patients diagnosed as having remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema syndrome, pemphigus erythematosus and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia were treated with oral prednisolone. Several weeks after starting the treatment, they experienced repeated chest pain attacks between midnight and early morning, although none of the patients had a past history of ischemic heart disease. One of the patients exhibited aggravation of symptoms soon after increasing the dose of prednisolone. A definitive diagnosis of vasospastic angina was made using electrocardiograms, coronary angiography and vasospasm provocation tests. These cases emphasize that clinicians should be aware of the possible occurrence of vasospastic angina following the initiation of corticosteroid therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris, Variant / chemically induced*
  • Angina Pectoris, Variant / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Vasospasm / chemically induced*
  • Coronary Vasospasm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones