microvascular dysfunction
Pronunciation: MY-kro-vas-ku-lar
Impaired function of small coronary arteries that cannot be visualized on standard angiography, often causing chest pain despite normal epicardial vessels.
Full Definition
Microvascular dysfunction refers to abnormalities in the coronary microvasculature that affect vessels typically smaller than 500 micrometers in diameter. These vessels cannot be directly visualized with conventional angiography, making diagnosis challenging. Microvascular dysfunction can manifest as reduced coronary flow reserve, abnormal vasomotor responses, or impaired autoregulation. The condition is increasingly recognized as a cause of angina and adverse outcomes in patients with angiographically normal epicardial coronary arteries. Specialized testing including adenosine stress testing, coronary flow reserve measurement, or microvascular resistance assessment may be required for diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: MVD abbreviation may be confused with mitral valve disease; specify context clearly.
In Context
- "Despite normal angiography, microvascular dysfunction was suspected based on reduced coronary flow reserve." — Diagnostic assessment
- "The patient's persistent angina was attributed to microvascular dysfunction rather than epicardial stenosis." — Clinical diagnosis