Subacute left main coronary stenosis: an unusual but serious complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a proven nonoperative method of direct myocardial revascularization. Acute complications occurring during PTCA center primarily around acute disruption at the site of dilatation, arrhythmias, or vascular problems at the site of guide catheter access. Late complications include restenosis or aneurysm formation at the site of dilatation. Subacute stenosis of the left main coronary artery occurred in three of 440 patients who had PTCA performed between September 1980 and December 1983 and may be an infrequent but potentially critical complication of PTCA. The serious clinical course of patients with left main coronary stenosis requires prompt recognition and intervention.