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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.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequent cause of acute coronary syndrome predominantly affecting younger women. SCAD is often associated with predisposing arterial abnormalities and precipitating emotional, physical, and hormonal stressors. We previously showed that fibromuscular dysplasia is strongly associated with SCAD and may be a causative factor. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and sex hormones have also been shown to be an important cause of SCAD. We describe the first case report, to our knowledge, of SCAD associated with β-human growth hormone injections in a patient with concomitant FMD.
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