Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Resulting in Acute Myocardial Infarction With Cardiac Rupture

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a leading cause of myocardial infarction in women.
• SCAD is frequently associated with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD).

Observation:

• A 54-year-old man presented with sudden cardiac death.
• Autopsy revealed cardiac rupture secondary to SCAD.
• The patient had no history or evidence of fibromuscular dysplasia.

Findings:

• This is a rare case of SCAD-induced cardiac rupture in a male patient.
• Cardiac rupture due to SCAD is an uncommon but fatal complication.
• Previous reports of SCAD-related cardiac rupture predominantly involved women.

Implications:

• SCAD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden cardiac death, even in men without FMD.
• Further research is needed to understand the risk factors and prevalence of SCAD in men.
• This case underscores the potential for severe cardiovascular events from SCAD beyond typical MI presentations.