Prinzmetal's Variant Angina in the Immediate Postanesthetic State

Abstract

Variant angina pectoris may be diagnosed only with ECG by the presence of an ST-segment elevation in an area supplied by a major coronary artery. This case report is unique in that the attack occurred during a phase of anesthesia that corresponds to the period of recovery from general anesthesia. The greatest danger of Prinzmetal''s variant angina during anesthesia or operation is the frequent possibility of imminent, fatal myocardial infarction. Cardiac monitoring should be routine in these situations, no matter how brief the exposure of the patient to anesthesia. Drug therapy is discussed.