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.

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.     

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.     

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Comprehensive Overview

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an underdiagnosed cause of acute coronary syndrome that primarily impacts young women. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection as a cause of acute coronary syndrome is not rare and should not be overlooked. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection should be considered on the list of differential diagnosis of any chest pain occurring in young women with few typical risk factors. The purposes of this article are to broaden the understanding and increase awareness of spontaneous coronary artery dissection, specifically its diagnosis and clinical outcomes.     

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.     

Traumatic Coronary Artery Dissection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Coronary artery dissection after blunt chest trauma is a rare, life-threatening condition. Objectives: To present a case of coronary artery dissection after blunt chest trauma and to outline the appropriate management of this condition based on a literature review. Case Report: We report the case of a 50-year-old woman with traumatic coronary artery dissection after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. She presented to the Emergency Department via ambulance within a few hours of the collision, and her clinical condition deteriorated rapidly. A 12-lead electrocardiogram on arrival demonstrated anterolateral ST-segment elevation. The patient was intubated due to hypoxemic respiratory failure and she required inotropes for blood pressure support. Computed tomography imaging revealed pulmonary edema and right third and fourth rib fractures. Emergent angiography demonstrated dissection of her left main coronary artery, requiring placement of a stent. Conclusion: Early recognition of this clinical entity with a screening electrocardiogram, and aggressive management, may result in a favorable outcome. A literature review reveals that coronary artery bypass grafting, angiography with stent placement, and conservative management may all be considered viable treatment options for this condition.     

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.     

Bilateral Spontaneous Dissecting Common Iliac Artery Aneurysms: A Rare Presentation

Background

Spontaneous iliac artery dissection is a rare clinical entity, reported previously in pregnant patients in association with collagen vascular disease, and in cases of high-energy trauma or intensive activity in athletes.

Objective

To alert clinicians to the incidence of spontaneous iliac artery dissection in the absence of any risk factors.

Case Report

We report a case of a 45-year-old man brought into the Emergency Department with severe lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography angiography revealed bilateral common iliac artery dissecting aneurysms with a dissection flap extending into the left internal iliac artery.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that despite being a rare condition, in cases of acute lower abdominal, inguinal or lower back pain, even in the absence of risk factors and limb ischemia, emergency physicians should maintain a broad differential that includes intra-abdominal/pelvic vascular pathology such as iliac artery dissection.     

Management of Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Patient with Sickle-cell Disease: A Case Report

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to sickle-cell anemia is rare, but potentially devastating. However, with early recognition of SAH, aggressive support with exchange transfusion, cerebral angiography, and neurosurgical intervention, a positive outcome may be achieved. A case report of SAH managed in this fashion is reported. Based on similar cases in the literature, a suggested treatment protocol is provided for the management of nontraumatic SAH in sickle-cell patients presenting to the ED.     

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.     

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.     

Left Main Coronary Artery Dissection in Pediatric Sport-Related Chest Trauma

Background

Traumatic coronary artery dissection (CAD) after blunt chest trauma (BCT) is extremely rare, particularly in children. Among coronary dissections, left main coronary artery (LMCA) dissection is the least common, with only two pediatric cases reported previously. Manifestations of coronary dissections can range from ST segment changes to sudden death. However, these manifestations are not specific and can be present with other cardiac injuries. To our knowledge we present the first pediatric case of traumatic LMCA dissection after sport-related BCT that was treated successfully with coronary stenting.

Case Report

A 14-year-old child sustained BCT during a baseball game. Early in the clinical course, he had episodes of ventricular dysrhythmias, diffuse ST changes, rising troponin I, and hemodynamic instability. Emergent cardiac catheterization revealed an LMCA dissection with extension into the proximal left anterior descending artery (LADA). A bare metal stent was placed from the LMCA to the LADA, which improved blood flow through the area of dissection. He has had almost full recovery of myocardial function and has been managed as an outpatient with oral heart failure and antiplatelet medications.

Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?

Our case highlights that CAD, although rare, can occur after pediatric BCT. Pediatric emergency responders must have a heightened awareness that evidence of ongoing myocardial ischemia, such as evolving and focal myocardial infarction on electrocardiogram, persistent elevation or rising troponin I, and worsening cardiogenic shock, can represent a coronary event and warrant further evaluation. Cardiac catheterization can be both a diagnostic and therapeutic modality in such cases. Early recognition and management is vital for myocardial recovery.     

Ultrasound shear wave elastography imaging of common carotid arteries in patients with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)

BackgroundShear wave elastography (SWE) is emerging as a valuable clinical tool for a variety of conditions. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the potential of SWE imaging of the common carotid arteries (CCA) in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, hypothesized to be linked to changes in vessel wall elasticity.MethodsUltrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) estimates of artery wall elasticity were obtained from the left and right CCAs of 89 confirmed SCAD patients and 38 non-dissection controls. SWE images obtained over multiple cardiac cycles were analysed by a blinded observer to estimate elasticity in the form of a Young’s Modulus (YM) value, across regions of interest (ROI) located within the anterior and posterior CCA walls.ResultsYM estimates ranged from 17 to 133 kPa in SCAD patients compared to 34 to 87 kPa in non-dissection controls. The mean YM of 55 [standard deviation (SD): 21] kPa in SCAD patients was not significantly different to the mean of 57 [SD: 12] kPa in controls, p = 0.32. The difference between groups was 2 kPa [95% Confidence Interval − 11, 4].ConclusionsSWE imaging of CCAs in SCAD patients is feasible although the clinical benefit is limited by relatively high variability of YM values which may have contributed to our finding of no significant difference between SCAD patients and non-dissection controls.     

Acute Subdural Hematoma without Subarachnoid Hemorrhage or Intraparenchymal Hematoma Caused by Rupture of a Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background

Acute subdural hematoma without subarachnoid hemorrhage or intraparenchymal hematoma is rare.

Case Report

We report on a 47-year-old women without previous trauma who presented with an acute subdural hematoma without subarachnoid hemorrhage. The hematoma was evacuated immediately. Further evaluation with a cerebral four-vessel angiography revealed a left-sided posterior communicating artery aneurysm that was occluded by endovascular embolization. The patient recovered without neurological deficit.

Conclusions

Ruptured intracranial aneurysm should be considered as a cause of nontraumatic subdural hematoma. Immediate subdural hematoma removal after aneurysm coiling can be performed in such patients, even those in poor neurological condition.     

Spontaneous Bilateral Internal Carotid Artery Dissection and Migraine: A Potential Diagnostic Delay

A 36-year-old man with a history of migraine without aura, presented with recurrent bouts of severe headache, perception of flashing lights in both visual fields, and transient bilateral neurological deficits. In view of his history, migraine with aura was considered. Ancillary investigations showed bilateral extracranial internal carotid artery dissection. This case illustrates that when attacks of severe headache with scotomata and transient bilateral neurological deficits occur in a patient with a history of migraine, the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection should be considered, especially when the pattern of headache is different or when some clinical characteristics have not been experienced previously.     

Internal Carotid Artery Dissection Presenting With Dysgeusia,Horner Syndrome,and Hypesthesia of the Fifth Cranial Nerve: A Case Report

BackgroundCarotid artery dissection (CAD) is a significant cause of ischemic stroke. Early recognition and treatment of CAD is important to prevent accompanying cerebral ischemia. This case report presents an atypical clinical presentation of CAD and emphasizes the diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians.Case ReportA 54-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a bilateral headache of 4 days’ duration, hypesthesia of the left fifth cranial nerve, dysgeusia, and partial Horner syndrome on the left side. Magnetic resonance angiography showed a left-sided CAD without any signs of cerebral ischemic events. Antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel was started, and the patient did not show any deterioration in the weeks thereafter.Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?CAD can present with different combinations of cranial nerve palsies and should be in the differential diagnosis of dysgeusia and hypesthesia of the trigeminal nerve. Early recognition of CAD can be challenging in patients with rare cranial nerve involvement, but early treatment is crucial to prevent cerebral ischemic events.     

Thunderclap Headache with Orgasm: A Case of Basilar Artery Dissection Associated with Sexual Intercourse

Background: Headaches associated with sexual intercourse (coital cephalgia) have many different causes and are often divided in the literature into pre-orgasmic and orgasmic headaches. Objective: To present a case of orgasmic headache caused by a basilar artery dissection and to present a literature-based guide to the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with headaches related to sexual activity. Case Report: We report the case of a 34-year-old man without significant past medical history who presented to the Emergency Department with two episodes of orgasmic headache caused by basilar artery dissection. Conclusions: The cause of headaches related to sexual activity range from the benign to the life-threatening. Due to the dynamics of cerebral blood flow during sexual intercourse, basilar artery dissections and aneurysms should be considered in patients with sudden-onset headaches during orgasm. Appropriate brain imaging and, possibly, lumbar puncture may assist in identifying potentially life-threatening causes of coital headaches.     

Severe Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Associated with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Early Pregnancy: A Case Report

Background

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) rarely induces subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). During late pregnancy and puerperium, CVT is an uncommon but important cause of stroke. However, severe SAH resulting from CVT is extremely rare during early pregnancy.

Objective

We report on a rare case of severe SAH due to CVT, and discuss the potential pitfalls of CVT diagnosis in early pregnancy.

Case Report

A 32-year-old pregnant woman (9th week of pregnancy) presented with slight head dullness. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed focal, abnormal signal intensity in the left thalamus. Nine days later, the patient developed a generalized seizure and severe SAH was detected with computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI and cerebral angiography revealed a completely thrombosed superior sagittal sinus, vein of Galen, straight sinus, and right transverse sinus. Transvaginal sonography indicated a missed abortion. The day after admission, the patient presented again with a progressive loss of consciousness and signs of herniation. The patient underwent emergency decompressive craniotomy, followed by intrauterine curettage. Two months later, she made an excellent recovery except for a slight visual field defect.

Conclusions

A rare case of severe SAH due to CVT is reported, with emphasis on the potential pitfalls of CVT diagnosis in early pregnancy.