Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Testing Acetylcholine Followed by Adenosine for Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
05:58

Testing Acetylcholine Followed by Adenosine for Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders

Published on: February 3, 2021

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: current insights and therapy

W Tanis1, P R Stella, J H Kirkels

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Netherlands Heart Journal : Monthly Journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation
|October 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare heart condition primarily affecting young women. This review discusses SCAD mechanisms, treatment, and prognosis, highlighting the need for hospitalization due to recurrence risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndromes.
  • It predominantly affects young, healthy females.
  • Associated conditions include atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders, and peripartum factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on SCAD.
  • Discuss potential mechanisms, therapeutic options, and prognosis.
  • Illustrate with cases of recurrent SCAD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review.
  • Case illustration of two patients with recurrent SCAD.

Main Results:

  • SCAD recurrence in different arteries occurred within days in illustrated cases.
  • Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the preferred reperfusion strategy.
  • Conservative treatment is viable for small/medium arteries with normal flow.

Conclusions:

  • A minimum one-week hospital observation is proposed due to recurrence susceptibility.
  • Post-acute phase evaluation for underlying conditions is crucial for guiding treatment.
  • Both conservative and invasive strategies are discussed for acute SCAD management.

Keywords:
atherosclerosisconnective tissue disorderperipartum episoderecurrencespontaneous coronary artery dissection

More Related Videos

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function10:28

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function

Published on: March 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
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...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
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...