Abstract
The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is relatively common in patients scheduled for coronary angiography, characterized by delayed distal vessel opacification of contrast in the absence of significant epicardial coronary stenosis. Rather than a simple angiographic curiosity, CSFP has significant clinical implications. Currently, its pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear although several possible mechanisms have been proposed. There is objective evidence of left ventricular systolic/diastolic dysfunction in patients with CSFP, however the alteration of left atrium (LA) function is controversial. LA serves an integral role in cardiac performance and is closely related to left ventricle function. In this review we will address the changes of LA structure and function in patients with CSFP according to our research and existing literature, therefore provide further insight into its clinical significance and pathophysiological mechanisms.
Keywords
Coronary slow flow phenomenon, Left atrium structure and Function, Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, Strain, Strain rate