A Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Complicated by Free Wall Rupture

Hussain Alzayer1, Matthias Bossard1, Shoeb Ahsan1

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Insights

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), can lead to cardiac tamponade. This case highlights SCAD

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of nonatherosclerotic acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
  • SCAD presentation varies, including chest pain, ST-elevation ACS, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.

Observation:

  • A 70-year-old woman presented with non-ST elevation ACS.
  • Angiography revealed SCAD, which is a rare condition.
  • The patient subsequently developed cardiac tamponade.

Findings:

  • The SCAD case was complicated by cardiac tamponade with free wall rupture.
  • This association between SCAD and free wall rupture is extremely rare.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the diverse and potentially severe manifestations of SCAD.
  • Highlights the critical importance of considering SCAD in ACS, even with atypical presentations.
  • Emphasizes the rare but life-threatening complication of cardiac tamponade and free wall rupture in SCAD.

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