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Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Literature Review

Angelo A Messina Alvarez1, Mohammad A Bilal1, Ahmad R Damlakhy1

  • 1Internal Medicine, Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, Detroit, USA.

Cureus
|October 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a tear in the coronary artery wall, often linked to connective tissue disorders and pregnancy. This review covers SCAD occurrence, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment for this serious cause of heart attack.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an underrecognized cause of acute coronary syndrome.
  • SCAD is associated with inflammatory, rheumatologic, and connective tissue disorders, as well as pregnancy.
  • It carries a significant mortality rate, with reported incidence up to 4%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
  • To discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors of SCAD.
  • To outline current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for SCAD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
  • Synthesis of information on SCAD occurrence, pathophysiology, and risk factors.
  • Analysis of diagnostic modalities and treatment options for SCAD.

Main Results:

  • SCAD involves spontaneous rupture of the coronary artery wall without external trauma.
  • Key associations include fibromuscular dysplasia, connective tissue diseases, and peripartum status.
  • Diagnostic methods include angiography and intravascular imaging; treatment varies based on presentation.

Conclusions:

  • SCAD is a critical condition requiring increased awareness and timely diagnosis.
  • Understanding SCAD pathophysiology is crucial for effective management.
  • Further research is needed to optimize SCAD treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords:
diagnosisincidencemanagementscadtypes

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