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Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a young woman precipitated by retching
Muthu Velusamy1, Mark Fisherkeller, Michael E Keenan
1Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Hartford Hospital, University of Connecticut, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, USA.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute myocardial ischemia. Prolonged, forceful retching can induce SCAD, highlighting a new potential trigger for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute myocardial ischemia, distinct from atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
- Recognizing SCAD is crucial as its management differs from typical ischemic heart disease.
Observation:
- A case study involving a 31-year-old female presenting with acute myocardial ischemia is detailed.
- The patient's symptoms were precipitated by prolonged and forceful retching.
Findings:
- This report documents the first known instance of SCAD triggered by prolonged retching.
- The findings suggest a novel association between forceful emesis and the development of SCAD.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider prolonged retching as a potential precipitating event for SCAD.
- This expands the clinical profiles and associated triggers for spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection as a cause of acute myocardial ischemia is a rare entity that has been associated with several different clinical profiles and precipitating events. The recognition of this entity as the cause of acute ischemia is important because the therapeutic considerations may be different than that for ischemia due to a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque. We report a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a 31-year-old female that was induced by prolonged, forceful retching. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such an association. Prolonged retching should be added to the list of causes of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
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