Pathophysiology of spontaneous coronary artery dissection: hematoma, not thrombus

Aleksandra Djokovic1,2, Gordana Krljanac1,3, Predrag Matic1,4

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.

PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) affects 1.7%-4% of acute coronary syndrome cases, especially young women. This review covers SCAD

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Medical Reviews

Background:

  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) represents a significant cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in younger women.
  • SCAD accounts for 1.7%-4% of ACS cases, highlighting its clinical relevance.
  • Distinguishing SCAD from atherothrombotic coronary disease and determining optimal treatment remain challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To consolidate current understanding of SCAD pathophysiology.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies for SCAD.
  • To provide a contemporary review of SCAD knowledge.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on SCAD.
  • Analysis of known arteriopathies and triggers associated with SCAD.
  • Synthesis of information on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • SCAD has diverse underlying causes and triggers, with variable prevalence.
  • The etiology of SCAD often remains unidentified.
  • Current therapeutic approaches for SCAD are still evolving.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate SCAD pathophysiology.
  • Developing standardized diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for SCAD is crucial.
  • Increased awareness and understanding of SCAD are essential for improved patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

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...
12
Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
957
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

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...
19
Introduction to Hemostasis01:05

Introduction to Hemostasis

Hemostasis is a complex physiological process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. It's crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system, as it ensures that our blood remains fluid while still within the vascular network and yet clots to prevent blood loss upon vessel injury.
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized,...
8.1K
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which...
8.0K
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs but also impacts other areas, such as the arms, thereby impairing overall circulation and organ function.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty deposits inside the arterial...
9