Surgical stress as a potential trigger for spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A case report

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome, predominantly affecting women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. It is often underdiagnosed, especially in postoperative patients, due to its atypical presentation and the challenges in distinguishing it from other causes of chest pain.

We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and recent bilateral mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma, who presented three days post-surgery with sudden onset of chest pain radiating to her left arm. Electrocardiography revealed ST-segment depression suggestive of anterior ischemia, and cardiac biomarkers were significantly elevated. Imaging studies were limited due to recent surgery, but urgent coronary angiography identified spontaneous coronary artery dissections.

This case highlights the potential role of surgical stress as a precipitating factor for SCAD in patients without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The physiological stress of major surgery may contribute to arterial wall vulnerability and dissection. Diagnostic challenges in the postoperative setting necessitate a high index of suspicion for timely identification. Conservative management was pursued, aligning with current guidelines that favor non-invasive treatment in stable SCAD cases to prevent further dissection or complications.

SCAD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in postoperative patients presenting with chest pain, even in the absence of significant cardiovascular risk factors. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.