The coronary slow flow phenomenon: a new cardiac "Y" syndrome?

The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an angiographic finding that is characterised by delayed progression of the contrast medium during coronary angiography. The mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown. In the present paper, we revise the current evidence regarding this phenomenon and discuss recent findings from our group reporting increased resting resistances in patients with the CSFP. We report that these patients had preserved blood flow responses to the intracoronary infusion of the vasodilator papaverine, demonstrating that the CSFP is not necessarily associated with an abnormal coronary flow reserve. Based on these findings and on the review of the current literature, we concur with the concept proposed by Beltrame et al. that the CSFP should be considered a separate clinical entity. Further studies are necessary to describe the clinical characteristics, including the prognosis, of these patients and to identify potential treatments.