coronary steal phenomenon
A pathological condition where blood flow is redirected away from stenotic coronary vessels to areas with less resistance, potentially worsening ischemia.
Full Definition
Coronary steal phenomenon occurs when vasodilation in one coronary territory causes blood to be diverted away from areas supplied by stenotic vessels, paradoxically worsening ischemia in those regions. This can happen during pharmacological stress testing or in the setting of collateral circulation. The phenomenon is particularly relevant in interventional cardiology when assessing the functional significance of coronary lesions and planning revascularization strategies. Understanding coronary steal is crucial for interpreting stress test results and making appropriate treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with normal collateral circulation; steal specifically refers to flow diversion that worsens ischemia rather than providing protective circulation.
In Context
- "The patient's exercise stress test revealed coronary steal phenomenon in the LAD territory." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "Coronary steal phenomenon was suspected given the paradoxical worsening of symptoms during adenosine administration." — Clinical assessment note