Spontaneous coronary artery dissection causing acute coronary syndrome: an early diagnosis implies a good prognosis

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an unusual cause of acute coronary syndrome. We describe a series of cases that with an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, which includes percutaneous angioplasty with stent implantation and cardiac surgery, had a good outcome. The objective was to study the demographic characteristics, clinical settings, treatments, and inhospital course of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection. We studied a retrospective case series in 3 coronary care units in third-level university hospitals. The spontaneous coronary artery dissection diagnosis was made by coronary angiography. Seven cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissections were recorded. They were 5 women and 2 men. The age range was 28 to 64 years. Two of them took oral contraceptives and one case occurred in the postpartum period. An acute anterior wall myocardial infarction was the most frequent clinical presentation, occurring in 4 of the 7 cases. In fact, the left anterior descending artery was involved in 6 cases. An urgent coronary angiogram was performed in all cases. Definitive treatment included percutaneous angioplasty and stent implantation in 3 cases, coronary artery bypass surgery in 2 case, and cardiac transplantation in another case. One patient was treated medically. None of the patients died in the hospital. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection remains an unusual cause of acute coronary syndrome. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, especially when it affects young, healthy females. An early clinical suspicion and diagnosis with urgent coronary angiography and aggressive treatment that includes percutaneous angioplasty with stent implantation and cardiac surgery could improve the prognosis of these patients.     

A Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: It is Not Always Plaque Rupture

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an extremely rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients may present with a broad spectrum of clinical scenarios, ranging from angina pectoris to myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, and sudden death. Standard therapy has not been established; current treatments range from conservative management to percutaneous revascularization or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objective

SCAD greatly mimics ACS, and this diagnosis should be considered when evaluating young patients who present with ACS with or without classical risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Case Report

We report a case of a 45-year old man who presented with chest pain typical of ACS. He had no risk factors except for a smoking history of 2.5 pack-years. Once the clinical findings suggested acute inferolateral myocardial infarction, the patient underwent emergent cardiac catheterization, which revealed left anterior descending coronary artery dissection. This in itself is not a common cause of inferolateral ST elevation changes on electrocardiogram.

Conclusion

This case highlights the fact that although SCAD is a rare entity, it is increasingly being recognized as a significant cause of ACS. Urgent angiography should be considered if SCAD is suspected, because early diagnosis and appropriate management significantly improve the outcome in these patients.     

青年女性自发冠状动脉夹层导致急性心肌梗死1例并文献复习

目的 探讨自发性冠状动脉夹层的临床特点,以期提高对该病的诊治与认识。方法 回顾性分析1例青年女性自发性冠状动脉夹层导致急性心肌梗死患者的临床资料,并以“自发性冠状动脉夹层”、“急性心肌梗死”以及“青年女性”等关键词,通过检索中国知网、PubMed及万方数据库,筛选公开发表的相关中英文文献,以分析自发性冠状动脉夹层的临床特点。结果 本例为青年女性,35岁,因间断胸痛就诊,心电图检查提示I、aVL及V2-V5导联ST段抬高,肌钙蛋白T升高(>2 000 ng/L),冠状动脉造影结果示左主干(LM)自开口可见夹层,延伸至左前降支(LAD)远段及回旋支(LCX)中段,管腔全程受压,近段血管部分不能显影,经血管内超声(intravenous ultrasound, IVUS)指导下行经皮冠状动脉介入(percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI)治疗,随访1个月并复查冠状动脉造影(coronary angiography, CAG)患者治疗效果良好。结论 自发性冠状动脉夹层是导致急性冠脉综合征的罕见病因,其疾病特点及治疗方法与冠状动脉粥样硬化不同,诊断具有...     

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a rare threat to young women

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection not associated with underlying coronary artery disease is rare. When the dissection does occur, it most often is manifested as an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction in young women. Although the condition can occur in men, most often it involves women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy or the early postpartum period or are engaging in vigorous exercise. Because little is known about spontaneous coronary artery dissection in this population of women, recommendations for treatment are the same as for treatment of acute myocardial infarction associated with atherosclerotic coronary disease.     

Coronary stenting after failure of conservative treatment for spontaneous coronary dissection: Usefulness of the intravascular ultrasound

Spontaneous coronary dissection of a coronary artery is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. Optimal treatment has not yet been established. We describe a woman with spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending artery who presented transitory angina and electrocardiographic ST segment elevation in precordial leads. Conservative treatment was carried out. The angina and electrocardiographic changes recurred 3 days later. An intravascular vascular ultrasound was performed and the patient was stabilized following stenting. Stress testing was negative at 6-month follow-up and she remained asymptomatic at 18 months. We discuss the usefulness of an intravascular ultrasound study to establish the therapeutic strategy.     

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of myocardial ischaemia or sudden death, predominantly affecting young women with no known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The case described emphasises the benefit of early diagnosis and the need to individualise management based on patient response to treatment.     

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a 27-Year-Old Woman

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) causes acute coronary syndromes or sudden death in young patients who are often lacking classic coronary disease risk factors. Systemic inflammatory and connective tissue diseases have been suggested as risk factors for SCAD.

Objective

To review the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of this uncommon but life-threatening disease.

Case Report

We report a case of a 27-year-old woman with a history of an ill-defined inflammatory arthropathy who presented with an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. SCAD was diagnosed by coronary angiography. Percutaneous coronary intervention was attempted but was unsuccessful. The patient recovered uneventfully with medical management and was ultimately diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Conclusions

SCAD is a rare but important cause of acute coronary syndromes and sudden death. It commonly occurs in young women. Although pregnancy is the most well-established risk factor, systemic inflammatory and connective tissue diseases have also been suggested as risk factors.     

Spontaneous Left Main Coronary Artery Dissection and the Role of Intravascular Ultrasonography

Objective. Spontaneous left main coronary artery (LMCA) dissection is a rare event with an unknown incidence and high risk of sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis of LMCA dissection is often challenging given the limitations of 2‐dimensional angiography. The 3‐dimensional perspective of intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) is often indispensable in confirming or excluding the diagnosis of spontaneous LMCA dissection. We report 2 cases of spontaneous LMCA dissection with unique angiographic presentations wherein IVUS was essential in defining the extent of LMCA involvement and facilitated the subsequent referral for emergent coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods. Two patients presented to our facility with acute coronary syndrome prompting coronary angiography, which was notable for an unusual angiographic appearance of the LMCA. Intravascular ultrasonography was performed in each case, revealing spontaneous LMCA dissection. Results. Intravascular ultrasonography permitted the prompt diagnosis and aided in definitive surgical intervention in our 2 cases of spontaneous LMCA dissection. Conclusions. Intravascular ultrasonography is a useful adjunctive imaging modality in the diagnosis and management of spontaneous LMCA dissection.     

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Young Woman without Risk Factors

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a very rare event and is more common in women than in men. Pregnancy and the early puerperium stage have been recognized as predisposing factors for this condition.

Case Report

A 33-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with chest pain; the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) showed an ST-segment elevation similar to that observed in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). She experienced a ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest when she was in the hospital and received resuscitation, after which she regained consciousness and showed spontaneous circulation. She underwent cardiac catheterization under the impression of spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and conservative therapy was chosen.

Conclusion

In this report, we have underlined the importance of considering coronary artery dissection in the differential diagnosis of young women who present to the ED with chest pain, an ECG with ST-segment elevation, and very few cardiac risk factors.     

Spontaneous coronary dissection should not be ignored in patients with chest pain in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A case report

BACKGROUNDWhen autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) presents with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the possibility of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) should be highly considered. In some cases, SCAD is considered an extrarenal manifestation of ADPKD depending on the pathological characteristics of the unstable arterial wall in ADPKD. CASE SUMMARYHere, we report a 46-year-old female patient with ADPKD who presented with ACS. Coronary angiography revealed no definite signs of dissection, while intravascular ultrasound revealed a proximal to distal dissection of the left circumflex. After a careful conservative medication treatment, the patient exhibited favorable prognosis. CONCLUSIONIn cases of ADPKD co-existing with ACS, differential diagnosis of SCAD should be considered. Moreover, when no clear dissection is found on coronary angiography, IVUS should be performed to prevent missed diagnosis.     

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Woman with a Past Medical History of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon disease. We report the case of a 50 year-old woman with a past medical history of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, presenting with acute chest pain and diffuse ST segment elevation on ECG. Coronary angiogram revealed a SCAD of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The association between cerebral aneurysms and SCAD should trigger providers concern for fibromuscular dysplasia. We hereby report on a rare and atypical case involving the relationship between fibromuscular dysplasia and SCAD.     

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a review of complications and management strategies

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) accounts for up to 4% of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) on coronary angiography and predominantly affects women (>90%). SCAD most often occurs in patients with few or no conventional cardiovascular risk factors. This condition remains underdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness among health-care providers and misdiagnosis on coronary angiography.

Areas covered: In this review, authors aim to summarize contemporary data on the etiology, morbidity and mortality risks, as well as management strategies in order to raise awareness.

Expert opinion: The last decade of extensive research revealed that SCAD is not as rare as previously thought and needs to be in the differential diagnosis of all MI patients, especially in young to middle-aged women. Predisposing factors, such as fibromuscular dysplasia, and potential triggers like physical or emotional stresses, are frequently linked. Coronary angiography is the first-line diagnostic tool and should be performed meticulously because of more fragile vessel architecture to avoid iatrogenic dissections. If angiographic findings are uncertain, the use of intravascular imaging may be required. Conservative therapy is favored over revascularization unless patients have high-risk features. Recurrent cardiovascular events post-SCAD are frequent, and patients should be closely monitored after a SCAD event.     

Emergency Department Presentation of Patients with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequently recognized but potentially fatal cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that disproportionately affects women. Little is currently known about how patients with SCAD initially present.

床旁即时超声心动图在急性心源性胸痛中的作用

胸痛为门急诊常见的主诉,其中急性心源性胸痛的病因主要为急性冠状动脉综合征、肺栓塞和主动脉夹层等,病情凶险,需快速准确的诊断和救治。床旁即时经胸超声心动图便捷,可通过观察心脏的结构和功能的异常,快速明确病因,在临床急性心源性胸痛的诊断中的作用越来越重要。     

Reversible visual loss in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and the role of vascular imaging.

Spontaneous vertebral artery dissection is a condition that can have lethal consequences. The condition should be considered in young male patients who present with a stroke. At presentation, headaches, cerebral ischaemic episodes and oculosympathetic paresis are the most commonly encountered manifestations. The diagnosis is confirmed with angiography. Here, we present a middle-aged male gardener with rheumatoid arthritis and signs of vertebral artery dissection to highlight the importance of diagnosis and discuss the controversies in management.     

Acute coronary syndrome in a young woman with a giant coronary aneurysm and mitral valve prolapse: a case report and literature review

Acute coronary syndrome in the young population is infrequently seen and has a different etiology from that in the elderly population. Giant coronary artery aneurysms are rare and usually asymptomatic, but they can cause acute clinical symptoms such as chest pain or chest tightness. We herein describe a young woman with a history of mitral valve prolapse who developed sudden-onset chest pain. She had mild elevations of her creatine kinase and cardiac troponin levels; however, no ST segment alteration was found on an electrocardiogram, and no abnormal regional wall movement was noted on echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement revealed a “mass” at the right coronary artery and linear subendocardial enhancement at the posterior wall. Coronary angiography later confirmed a giant coronary aneurysm with a substantial thrombus. The combined presence of the coronary artery aneurysm and mitral valve prolapse in this patient was likely a sequela of Kawasaki disease.     

The value of C-reactive protein in emergency medicine

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a commonly used tool in emergency department (ED), especially in febrile and infectious patients. It was identified in 1930 and was subsequently classified into an “acute phase protein”, an early indicator of infectious or inflammatory situations in the ED, CRP must be a diagnostic reference and no single value can be indicated to rule in or rule out a specific diagnosis or disease. CRP is a comprehensively assisted tool for evaluation and diagnosis of tissue damage (rheumatologic diseases, stroke, cancer, pancreatitis, burn injury, sepsis and gout) and infection (urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, meningitis and lung infection). It can be used for treatment monitoring and severity evaluation in pneumonia, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and urinary tract infections (UTI). Otherwise, it also plays the role of prognostic indicator of acute coronary syndrome. C-reactive protein adds little to the diagnosis of pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and pancreatitis. A single CRP value should not straightly make the decision to treat these patients. That is, CRP has no role in diagnosing these clinical entities, and a normal CRP level should never delay antibiotic coverage in ED. Faster and more interpretable tools such as image studies (X-ray, sonography and computed tomography) are available to help diagnose suspected cases of aortic dissection, appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, pneumonia and stroke in ED.     

Spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the coronary artery. A rare cause of myocardial infarction and sudden death

Spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the coronary artery (SDACA) not associated with aortic aneurysm or trauma is a very rare cause of myocardial ischemia. It has a higher prevalence in otherwise healthy women, especially in the peri- and postpartum period. In 80-90% of cases the diagnosis of SDACA is confirmed at autopsy, as the majority of patients present with acute myocardial infarction or sudden death. We describe the case of a 47-year-old Caucasian woman who died suddenly without any previous sign of cardiac disease. She had no clinical signs of Marfan's syndrome or arterial hypertension, she used no oral contraceptives and she was not in the peri- or postpartum period. At autopsy we found a recent dissecting aneurysm of the right coronary artery. Histology showed a hematoma between the media and adventitia of the coronary artery, flattening and occluding the lumen. Acute myocardial infarction was present in the posterior wall of the left cardiac ventricle. SDACA is an unpredictable condition and prompt diagnosis and life-saving procedures--either surgical or conservative--are rarely successful. We report a very rare disease documented in only 108 cases according to the English-language literature accessible to us.     

青年急性冠脉综合征大动脉扩张性、内皮功能相关性研究

目的探讨大动脉扩张性、内皮功能与青年急性冠脉综合征患者发生冠脉事件的相关性研究。方法采用Complior动脉脉搏波传导速度测定仪和ALOKA5500高频超声检测仪测量青年急性冠脉综合征组（n=44）、青年非急性冠脉综合征组（n=49）以及健康对照组（n=50）大动脉扩张性、内皮功能（FMD）、非内皮依赖性血管扩张（NGT-MD）。结果青年急性冠脉综合征组大动脉扩张性降低和内皮功能异常明显低于其他两组（P〈0．05）,大动脉扩张性和内皮功能与冠脉事件呈正相关（分别为r=0．359,P〈0．05;r=0．427,P〈0．05）。结论大动脉扩张性和内皮功能是急性冠脉事件的有效预测指标之一,大动脉扩张性降低和内皮功能异常可能加剧动脉粥样硬化斑块的不稳定,与斑块破裂有关。     

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: etiology and recurrence

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly appreciated cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden cardiac death most often affecting young to middle-aged women with few conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Areas covered: A literature search was performed using MedLine, PubMed, and Google Scholar (dating to 04/30/2019). Authors review the key clinical features of SCAD and highlight what is known regarding its pathophysiology and associated factors. The relationship between SCAD and other systemic vasculopathies, notably fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is also discussed. Authors also mention the management of acute SCAD along with considerations for long term follow-up such as chest pain syndrome, extracoronary vasculopathy screening, and recurrent SCAD.

Expert opinion: Our understanding regarding the association of SCAD and other arteriopathies such as FMD is anticipated to grow. In addition, progress is likely to be made in our efforts to predict recurrent SCAD risk and define potential preventative strategies, possibly through the incorporation of adjunctive imaging.