Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025
05:39
Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
160
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Nourhan Chaaban1, Shilpa Kshatriya1,2
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS.
Ochsner Journal
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of heart attack, often linked to autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and sudden cardiac death.
- SCAD presentation ranges from asymptomatic to fatal, with associations noted for pregnancy and autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Observation:
- A 37-year-old female with hypertension, SLE, a history of preeclampsia, and smoking presented with chest pain.
- Elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 IgG and positive lupus anticoagulant) were detected.
- Cardiac catheterization revealed spontaneous dissection with subintimal hematoma in the left anterior descending artery.
Findings:
- The patient experienced an acute coronary syndrome with elevated troponin levels.
- Successful stent placement was achieved via angioplasty.
- The case underscores the diagnostic challenges and the link between SCAD and SLE.
Implications:
- High index of suspicion is necessary for timely SCAD diagnosis.
- Recognizing the association between SCAD and autoimmune diseases like SLE can improve patient management.
- Early diagnosis and intervention in SCAD cases lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
34
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...
34
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
43
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
43
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
20
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
20
01:11Overview of Systemic Arteries
969
The human body is a complex, well-organized machine, and at the heart of its operations lies the circulatory system. This network of blood vessels, which includes systemic arteries, plays a vital role in maintaining life by transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products to and from cells throughout the body.
Systemic circulation is the part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues and returns deoxygenated blood back to the...
Systemic circulation is the part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues and returns deoxygenated blood back to the...
969
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
23
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...
23
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
29
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
29