Resolution of refractory no-reflow with intracoronary epinephrine

Refractory no-reflow is associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Charts were reviewed to identify 29 consecutive patients in whom intracoronary epinephrine was administered for refractory no-reflow. The effects of intracoronary epinephrine on coronary flow (TIMI grade), cardiac rhythm, and systolic blood pressure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory were assessed. Administration of intracoronary epinephrine (mean dose, 139 +/- 189 mug) resulted in significant improvement in coronary flow. After administration, TIMI 3 flow was established in 69% of patients. Overall, TIMI flow significantly increased (mean TIMI flow form 1.0 +/- 1.0 to 2.66 +/- 0.55; P = 0.0001). Intracoronary epinephrine resulted in significant but tolerable increase in heart rate (72 +/- 19 to 86 +/- 26 beats/min; P = 0.009), but no cases of acute dysrhythmia. These findings indicate that intracoronary epinephrine may exert salutary effects in patients suffering refractory no-reflow following elective or acute coronary interventions.