Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2025

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
A Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in the Setting of Exogenous Testosterone
Julita Gongolli1, Anna Vanderschaegen, Joseph A Prahlow
1From the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. This case report highlights a potential unintended consequence of testosterone therapy in a transgender male patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Transgender Health
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- SCAD involves intramural hemorrhage leading to a false lumen, compressing the coronary artery and impairing myocardial perfusion.
- Known risk factors include pregnancy, young age, female sex, hormonal contraception, and other hormonal therapies.
Observation:
- A case report of a 31-year-old transgender male (assigned female at birth) experiencing SCAD.
- The patient was undergoing exogenous testosterone therapy.
Findings:
- This case presents a potential link between testosterone therapy and SCAD.
- It suggests testosterone therapy may be an additional risk factor for SCAD, particularly in transgender individuals.
Implications:
- Raises awareness of rare adverse events associated with testosterone therapy.
- Highlights the need for further research into the cardiovascular risks of hormone replacement therapy in transgender populations.
- Emphasizes comprehensive risk assessment for SCAD in patients on hormonal therapies.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome, occurring when there is separation of the coronary artery walls by intramural hemorrhage creating a false lumen. This compresses the arterial lumen, compromising the ability of the coronary artery to perfuse the myocardial tissue. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is usually fatal, with risk factors including pregnancy, young age, and female sex, birth control, and other hormonal therapies.In this case report, we describe the case of a 31-year-old biological female transitioning to male with exogenous testosterone who experienced a SCAD. Given the known risk factors for SCAD, such as pregnancy and exogenous hormone therapy, this case raises additional considerations regarding rare unintended consequences of testosterone therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...

