Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
06:26

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection

Published on: March 28, 2025

An unusual case of spontaneous multi vessel coronary artery dissection in an elderly patient: a case report

Cevher Ozcan1, Brian Cambi, Michael Remetz

  • 1Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, 3 FMP, P.O. Box 208017, New Haven, CT, USA. cevher.ozcan@yale.edu

Cases Journal
|February 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is rare but serious. This case highlights successful medical management for multi-vessel SCAD in an elderly woman, emphasizing its role in acute coronary syndrome treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequent cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and sudden cardiac death.
  • This report details an unusual instance of multi-vessel SCAD in an elderly female patient.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of multi-vessel spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
  • To illustrate the successful medical management of this condition in a specific patient profile.
  • To underscore the importance of considering SCAD in acute coronary syndromes.

Main Methods:

  • A 65-year-old woman with hypertension and Parkinson's disease presented with acute chest pain.
  • Cardiac catheterization revealed dissections in four small coronary arteries without significant atherosclerosis.
  • Medical management included Eptifibatide, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and a beta-blocker; antiparkinsonian drugs were withheld.

Main Results:

  • The patient exhibited ST-segment elevation consistent with ischemia.
  • Angiography confirmed focal dissections in multiple small coronary arteries.
  • The patient responded favorably to the implemented medical regimen.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis for all patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.
  • Medical management is a viable and effective therapeutic strategy for spontaneous coronary artery dissection involving small coronary vessels.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
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...
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 V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...