no-reflow phenomenon
Inadequate myocardial reperfusion despite successful restoration of epicardial coronary flow during intervention.
Full Definition
No-reflow phenomenon refers to the absence of adequate myocardial tissue perfusion despite successful restoration of flow in the epicardial coronary artery following percutaneous intervention. This complication occurs due to microvascular dysfunction caused by distal embolization, vasospasm, or endothelial swelling. No-reflow is associated with larger infarct size, reduced left ventricular function, and increased mortality. The phenomenon is typically identified during angiography by slow contrast clearance and confirmed by specialized imaging techniques measuring tissue-level perfusion.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated; distinguish from 'slow flow' which is a related but distinct phenomenon.
In Context
- "Despite successful stent deployment, the patient developed no-reflow phenomenon requiring adjunctive therapy." — Primary PCI procedure report
- "Contrast echocardiography confirmed no-reflow phenomenon in the anterior wall territory." — Post-intervention imaging report