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Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Review of Pathogenesis, Presentations, Treatment, and Outcomes
Aasim Afzal1, Syed Sarmast2, James W Choi3
1Baylor University Medical Center, Division of Cardiology, Dallas, TX; Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital, Dallas, TX.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of sudden cardiac death. This review covers SCAD
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an under-recognized cause of acute coronary syndromes.
- Limited understanding exists regarding SCAD's epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.
- No established clinical guidelines exist for SCAD management.
Observation:
- Presents three distinct cases of SCAD with varied clinical presentations.
- Details the diverse management strategies employed for these SCAD cases.
- Reviews the clinical features, epidemiology, and prognosis of SCAD.
Findings:
- SCAD is a significant, though rare, contributor to acute coronary syndromes and sudden cardiac death.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for SCAD are highly variable.
- Further research is needed to elucidate SCAD's full spectrum and optimize patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for increased recognition and understanding of SCAD among clinicians.
- Emphasizes the importance of tailored, individualized management approaches for SCAD patients.
- Underscores the necessity for developing evidence-based guidelines for SCAD diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndromes and sudden cardiac death. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, and optimal approaches to diagnosis and management are poorly understood. Additionally, SCAD as a syndrome is commonly under-recognized and its prognosis is not well studied. Guidelines on management of SCAD have not yet been established. We present three cases of SCAD that varied in their clinical presentation and describe the different management strategies utilized. This is followed by a review of the clinical features, epidemiology, prognosis, and potential treatment strategies for patients presenting with SCAD.
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