We describe a patient with recurrent episodes of inferior ST elevation, secondary to coronary artery spasm. Each episode appeared to be provoked by the ingestion of rice and accompanied by a troponin T rise. An inpatient coronary angiogram immediately following an episode of pain demonstrated a focal area of spasm affecting the right coronary artery, which resolved with intracoronary nitrate injection. Although these episodes were self-limiting, cardiac MRI confirmed an acute subendocardial infarct. An association between food substances and coronary artery spasm with subsequent infarction has not been documented previously. Following appropriate advice and titration of antispasmodic medication, the patient has been pain free.
2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.