Coronary microvascular dysfunction is an important cause of angina in patients who do not have significant blockages in the major coronary arteries. Previous studies suggest that endothelin-1, a naturally occurring substance that causes blood vessel constriction, may contribute to abnormalities in the coronary microcirculation.
The ERICOM study aims to investigate whether treatment with bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, can improve coronary microvascular function in patients with angina and evidence of coronary microvascular dysfunction. Participants undergo cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging before and after treatment, and some participants also undergo invasive coronary physiological assessment.
The results of this study may improve understanding of the role of endothelin-1 in coronary microvascular dysfunction and help identify new treatment strategies for patients with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease.