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Published on: February 3, 2023
Spontaneous multivessel coronary artery dissection associated with microaneurysms in a young women with thyroiditis
Nouhaila Lahmouch1, Omar Nafii1, Jamila Zarzur1
1Department of Cardiology B, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rabat, Morocco.
Insights
Hypothyroidism may increase the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Conservative treatment led to regression of SCAD and coronary microaneurysms in a hypothyroid patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an under-recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome.
- Hypothyroidism is a potential predisposing factor for arterial dissections, including SCAD.
- Coronary microaneurysms are rare findings, and their association with SCAD and hypothyroidism is not well-established.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare condition that is frequently under-recognized. It has been connected to several triggers and predisposing factors. Interestingly, hypothyroidism has been linked to a higher likelihood of arterial dissections. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman who was admitted for acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography revealed signs of SCAD affecting the distal left anterior descending artery and the right ventricular branch. Additionally, microaneurysms were detected in the distal circumflex artery, the main septal artery, and a branch of the distal right coronary artery. During her hospitalization, a goiter was identified, and further evaluation confirmed autoimmune thyroiditis. The patient was managed with conservative treatment. A follow-up angiogram 6 months later showed that the previously dissected coronary segments and microaneurysms had regressed. This case highlights the possible role of hypothyroidism in increasing risk of SCAD and possibly microaneurysms which has been suggested in only isolated cases in the literature. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of a conservative treatment approach for this condition.
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