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Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Case Series Reviewing Typical Presentations of an Atypical Pathology
Jace C Bradshaw1,2, Lisa Saffire2, Jake Valentine3
1Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|February 14, 2024
Summary
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of heart attack, often affecting young women. This case series highlights SCAD's varied presentations and risk factors, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of myocardial infarction (MI).
- SCAD disproportionately affects young women lacking traditional atherosclerotic risk factors.
- High index of suspicion is crucial for diagnosing SCAD, a rare cause of type 2 MI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three unique cases of SCAD.
- To illustrate the diverse clinical presentations and associated risk factors of SCAD.
- To enhance clinician awareness and diagnostic suspicion for SCAD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of three SCAD patients.
- Detailed review of patient presentations, epidemiological data, and diagnostic findings.
- Discussion of interventional techniques and medical management strategies.
Main Results:
- Each case presented unique clinical scenarios and risk factor profiles.
- The cases underscore the variability in SCAD manifestations.
- Insights into associated conditions and SCAD were gained.
Conclusions:
- SCAD presents with diverse clinical features and risk factors.
- Increased clinical suspicion is vital for timely SCAD diagnosis.
- Understanding SCAD variability aids in managing this rare cause of MI.
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