Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Kareem Salhiyyah1, Haitham Abunasra, Salman Waqar
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK. kareemsal@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of heart attack, often diagnosed late. This study highlights successful surgical treatment for SCAD in two patients, emphasizing timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon yet critical cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- SCAD diagnosis is frequently delayed, often occurring post-mortem.
- Key risk factors include the peripartum state, oral contraceptive use, and underlying atherosclerotic disease.
Observation:
- SCAD should be suspected in young, healthy individuals presenting with acute myocardial ischemic syndrome.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial due to the risk of sudden cardiac death associated with SCAD.
- This report details two cases of SCAD in patients presenting with acute ischemic symptoms.
Findings:
- Both SCAD cases were successfully managed with emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- The first case utilized both left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and radial artery grafts.
- The second case involved LIMA grafting exclusively.
Implications:
- Emergency CABG is a viable and effective treatment strategy for SCAD.
- Successful surgical revascularization can prevent adverse outcomes in SCAD patients.
- Increased clinical awareness and timely diagnosis are essential for improving SCAD patient management.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a relatively rare but important cause of acute coronary syndrome. The diagnosis is often made at autopsy. Risk factors include the peripartum period, oral contraceptive use, and atherosclerotic disease. SCAD must be considered every time a healthy young patient presents with an onset of acute myocardial ischemic syndrome. A timely diagnosis and intervention are mandatory as SCAD can cause sudden death. We describe two cases of SCAD, both treated successfully with emergency coronary artery bypass grafting using left internal mammary and radial arteries in the first case and the left internal mammary artery only for the second case.
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