[Coronary artery spasm induced by the somministration of ergonovine maleate in subjects with spontaneous angina (author's transl)].

In 6 patients affected by spontaneous angina with S-T elevation and coronariographic findings of obstruction, intravenous administration of ergonovine maleate determined the same clinical and ECG patterns of spontaneous episodes. The coronary arteriography during pain showed a marked spasm with occlusion of a large coronary vessel in four patients. In 2 patients with atypical chest pain and normal coronariogram, E.M. did not induce pain, ECG abnormality or coronariographic alterations. The role of spasm in spontaneous angina is discussed.