Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
E Méndez-Eirín1, Y Suárez-Ouréns1, J Á Rodríguez-Fernández1
1Servicio de Cardiología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), La Coruña, España; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an underdiagnosed cause of heart attack, especially in young women. This review covers SCAD
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an underdiagnosed cause of acute coronary syndrome.
- It disproportionately affects young women and individuals without traditional atherosclerotic risk factors.
- SCAD is a critical cause of sudden cardiac death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
- To elucidate the pathophysiology and etiology of SCAD.
- To outline clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for SCAD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
- Synthesis of existing research on SCAD pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
Main Results:
- SCAD involves non-traumatic separation of the coronary artery wall.
- Etiologies are diverse, often unrelated to atherosclerosis.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and optimal treatments are detailed.
Conclusions:
- SCAD is a significant, often overlooked cause of acute coronary syndrome.
- Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to improve understanding and management of SCAD.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an underdiagnosed entity. It has been recognized as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome and sudden death, particularly among young women and individuals with few conventional atherosclerotic risk factors. This document provides an exhaustive review of the pathophysiology and etiology of this disease. In addition, we describe the main clinical characteristics of these patients, the diagnostic tests that must be performed, and the most appropriate treatment.
