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Published on: August 28, 2018

Coronary artery dissection after blunt chest trauma: depiction at multidetector-row computed tomography

Yuichi Sato, Naoya Matsumoto, Sei Komatsu

    International Journal of Cardiology
    |August 8, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Blunt chest trauma can rarely cause coronary artery dissection, leading to myocardial infarction. This case highlights left main coronary artery dissection diagnosed via CT angiography 5 weeks post-trauma.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Trauma Surgery
    • Diagnostic Imaging

    Background:

    • Coronary artery dissection is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma.
    • Traumatic cardiac injuries can lead to myocardial infarction.
    • Early diagnosis is crucial for managing coronary artery dissection.

    Observation:

    • A patient presented with acute myocardial infarction 5 weeks after blunt chest trauma.
    • Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) was performed prior to infarction.
    • MDCT revealed an intimal flap and dissected cavities in the coronary artery.

    Findings:

    • The patient experienced dissection of the left main coronary artery.
    • The dissection was a direct consequence of blunt chest trauma.
    • Computed tomography accurately depicted the intimal flap and dissected lumen.

    Implications:

    • This case underscores the importance of considering coronary artery dissection in patients with chest trauma, even with a delayed presentation.
    • MDCT is a valuable tool for diagnosing coronary artery dissection in blunt chest trauma.
    • Prompt diagnosis and management can prevent fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction.

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