Spontaneous coronary artery dissection associated with β-HCG injections and fibromuscular dysplasia

Mathieu Lempereur1, Jasmine Grewal2, Jacqueline Saw1

  • 1Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Insights

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a cause of heart attack in young women, may be linked to fibromuscular dysplasia and hormonal factors. This case highlights a potential association with beta-human growth hormone injections.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome, primarily affecting younger women.
  • SCAD is frequently linked to underlying arterial abnormalities and various stressors, including hormonal changes.
  • Previous research established a strong association between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and SCAD, suggesting a causal role.

Observation:

  • This report details the first known case of SCAD occurring in a patient with diagnosed FMD.
  • The SCAD event was observed in conjunction with the administration of beta-human growth hormone (β-hGH) injections.

Findings:

  • The case suggests a potential iatrogenic trigger for SCAD in individuals with pre-existing fibromuscular dysplasia.
  • Hormonal influences, specifically exogenous β-hGH, may precipitate SCAD in susceptible individuals with vascular abnormalities.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the understanding of SCAD's multifactorial etiology.
  • Further investigation is warranted to explore the relationship between exogenous hormone therapy and SCAD in patients with FMD.
  • Clinical awareness of this potential association may inform patient management and risk assessment.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
805
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...
1.1K
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
826
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
790
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...
1.8K
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...
943