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Review
. 2011 Dec;1(1):37-43.
doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-3652.2011.10.01.

The coronary slow flow phenomenon: characteristics, mechanisms and implications

Xiao Wang  1 , Shao-Ping Nie
Affiliations
Review

The coronary slow flow phenomenon: characteristics, mechanisms and implications

Xiao Wang et al. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an important, angiographic entity characterized by delayed progression of the injected contrast medium through the coronary tree. It is a frequent finding, typically observed in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes. Although it is well known to interventional cardiologists for approximately four decades, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. The clinical implications are significant, with over 80% of patients experiencing recurrent chest pain, resulting in considerable impairment in quality of life. This article will address in detail the characteristics, possible mechanisms, and clinical implications of this entity to provide further insight into its clinical significance and management strategies.

Keywords: chest pain; coronary slow flow phenomenon; coronary tree.

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Figures

Movie 1
Movie 1
Representative angiographic images of CSFP subjects
Movie 2
Movie 2
Representative angiographic images of normal subjects
Figure 1
Figure 1
Representative echocardiographic images in the CSFP and control groups
Figure 2
Figure 2
Correlations between corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) of LAD and coronary diastolic peak and mean velocities
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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