Prinzmetal Angina

Ten years ago, Prinzmetal et al presented the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, pathologic physiology, and chemical changes of a variant form of angina pectoris. Even though its existence has been questioned, at least 15 additional, well-documented cases have been reported. We present a case of the variant form of angina pectoris with the notion that an elevated ST segment in an electrocardiogram does not necessarily denote the presence of a myocardial infarction; it could represent a transient, severe myocadial ischemia, as has been observed in patients with the variant form of angina pectoris. We also demonstrate that, though rarely seen, atrial fibrillation may be observed during attacks of the variant angina.