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Survival after spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting with ventricular fibrillation arrest

Edward Bergen1, Linda Huffer, Mark Peele

  • 1Department of Cardiology, United States Army, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|October 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of heart attack and sudden cardiac death (SCD). This case highlights successful medical management for a unique SCAD presentation, leading to full recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden cardiac death (SCD).
  • SCAD is often associated with specific risk factors, making unique presentations noteworthy.

Observation:

  • A 37-year-old non-pregnant female presented with ventricular fibrillation arrest secondary to left anterior descending artery (LAD) dissection.
  • The SCAD occurred without previously described associated conditions.
  • This represents the second reported case of SCAD with documented sudden cardiac death survival.

Findings:

  • Early diagnostic catheterization and prompt medical management were initiated.
  • The patient achieved a complete recovery, returning to her pre-event functional status without limitations.
  • The case involved a single-vessel dissection not affecting the left main or proximal LAD.

Implications:

  • Medical management appears to be a viable strategy for select SCAD cases involving single-vessel, non-left main/proximal LAD dissections.
  • This case expands the understanding of SCAD presentations and outcomes.
  • Highlights the importance of considering SCAD in young women presenting with MI or SCD.

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