Asymptomatic spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of myocardial ischemia, often presenting with acute symptoms like angina or myocardial infarction.
• SCAD disproportionately affects women and is linked to autoimmune and collagen vascular diseases.
• Clinical outcomes and treatment strategies for SCAD are contingent upon the initial presentation and the dissection's severity.

Observation:

• This article presents two cases of SCAD that were incidentally discovered during routine preoperative evaluations.
• Both patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis, underscoring the potential for silent SCAD.
• The cases highlight the importance of considering SCAD even in the absence of typical ischemic symptoms.

Findings:

• Asymptomatic SCAD can be diagnosed through routine preoperative screening.
• The diagnostic pathway for SCAD may differ in asymptomatic individuals compared to those with acute presentations.
• Early detection of SCAD, even when asymptomatic, is crucial for appropriate management.

Implications:

• Routine preoperative evaluations may identify asymptomatic SCAD, enabling proactive management.
• Understanding SCAD in asymptomatic individuals can refine diagnostic protocols and risk stratification.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal long-term management strategies for incidentally detected SCAD.