Two cases in which isosorbide dinitrate and calcium antagonist benidipine were effective against life threatening coronary vasospasm

Sudden cardiac death caused by coronary vasospasm still remains a serious problem. We present two rare cases involving an initial coronary vasospasm which caused acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ventricular fibrillation. Both cases were well controlled by isosorbide dinitrate and benidipine, a calcium antagonist. One case experienced AMI while undergoing the therapy of the calcium antagonist amlodipine. We should consider this antispastic characteristic when selecting a calcium antagonist to prevent sudden cardiac death.