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Published on: June 11, 2019
A case of circumferential multi-vessel coronary intramural hematoma in a post-menopausal woman
Robin Ducas1, Davinder S Jassal, Farrukh Hussain
1University of Manitoba;
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection, specifically intramural hematoma, can be challenging to diagnose and treat. This case demonstrates successful multivessel stenting for a dissection only visible with intravascular ultrasound, emphasizing advanced imaging for atypical presentations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a recognized but often challenging condition.
- Intramural hematoma represents a specific type of SCAD.
- Existing literature primarily details treatment for dissections visible on angiography.
Observation:
- A case of diffuse intramural hematoma was observed.
- The dissection was not apparent on standard angiography.
- Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was crucial for visualizing the dissection.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful treatment with multivessel drug-eluting stenting.
- This represents the first reported case of IVUS-detected intramural hematoma treated with stenting.
- Multimodality imaging, including IVUS and CT, was utilized for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering SCAD even with atypical or absent angiographic findings.
- Underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic value of advanced imaging modalities like IVUS.
- Suggests stenting as a viable treatment option for selected cases of intramural hematoma not evident on angiography.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary dissections are a well described entity which are often difficult to treat. Intramural hematoma is one type of coronary dissection. Previous case reports have described the treatment for angiographically visible dissection. We describe the first report of diffuse intramural hematoma visualized only on intravascular ultrasound with no angiographically obvious evidence of dissection treated with multivessel drug eluting stenting. This case highlights the importance of a high level of suspicion and atypical presentations of coronary dissection, and the use of multimodality imaging with intravascular ultrasound and computerized tomography for both diagnosis and therapy.
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