Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
12:03

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs

Published on: April 25, 2014

Onset and progression of fatal coronary dissection during angiography

Andrea Porzionato1, Silvano Zancaner, Angelo Ramondo

  • 1Department of Environmental Medicine and Publlic Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|February 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A 43-year-old man experienced acute chest pain due to plaque and dissection in his left main coronary artery. Despite stent placement, rapid progression of dissection led to fatal ventricular fibrillation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) is associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing acute coronary syndromes.

Observation:

  • Coronary angiography revealed significant plaque and subtotal stenosis in the mid-left anterior descending artery.
  • Dissection of the left main coronary artery was identified, characterized by intimal flaps.
  • The dissection rapidly extended to involve the left circumflex and left anterior descending arteries.

Findings:

  • The patient presented with acute chest pain, indicative of an acute coronary syndrome.
  • Despite successful stent deployment in the left main coronary artery, the dissection progression was rapid.
  • The patient ultimately succumbed to ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening arrhythmia.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the aggressive and rapidly progressive nature of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in the left main coronary artery.
  • It underscores the challenges in managing complex dissections involving critical coronary segments.
  • Further research into the pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategies for SCAD involving the left main coronary artery is warranted.

More Related Videos

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview01:28

Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview

Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...