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Updated: May 2, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection diagnosed by multislice computed tomography
Hakan Gunes1, Zekeriya Kucukdurmaz1, Emrah Seker2
1Cardiology Department, Cumhuriyet University Medical School, Sivas, Turkey.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome, often affecting young women. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing mortality from this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- SCAD can manifest as various cardiac events, including myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death.
- It predominantly affects young to middle-aged women, with predisposing factors including atherosclerosis and inflammatory conditions.
Observation:
- The clinical presentation of SCAD often mimics traditional coronary artery disease.
- Diagnosis is typically confirmed via coronary angiography.
- This case highlights the utility of coronary computed tomography angiography in diagnosing SCAD.
Findings:
- The patient presented with atypical chest pain, leading to further investigation.
- Spontaneous left anterior descending dissection was diagnosed using coronary computed tomography angiography.
- This case underscores the importance of considering SCAD in patients with unexplained chest pain.
Implications:
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of SCAD is essential for effective management.
- Treatment strategies for SCAD vary based on clinical presentation and extent of dissection.
- Improved diagnostic modalities like CT angiography can aid in early detection and intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection can cause stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock and sudden cardiac death. It usually occurs in young to middle aged women. Atherosclerosis, peripartum period, and structural and inflammatory diseases affecting the artery wall are predisposing factors. It shows similar clinical presentation to coronary artery disease. Diagnosis and early treatment decrease mortality. Treatment options are medical treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention and surgery. The treatment decision is made according to the clinical presentation of the patient, the affected coronary artery and the length of the dissected segment. Diagnosis of the disease is usually made by coronary angiography. We present a patient who consulted our clinic with atypical chest pain and was diagnosed with spontaneous left anterior descending dissection by coronary computed tomography angiography.
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