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A Young Male With SCAD: Challenging Conventional Risk Factors and Insights
Namra Khan1, Marcus St John1,2
1Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) can affect young adults without typical risk factors. This case highlights SCAD in a young male, emphasizing the need for broader diagnostic suspicion and tailored treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a significant cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in young women, often without traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
- Predisposing conditions include fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and connective tissue disorders, but SCAD can occur in their absence.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male presented with chest pain, diagnosed with SCAD of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) leading to acute myocardial infarction (MI).
- Coronary angiography showed 100% LAD occlusion, treated successfully with angioplasty and stenting.
Findings:
- The patient received dual antiplatelet therapy and other medical management.
- Seven months post-procedure, his ejection fraction improved, and statin therapy was discontinued due to no evidence of atherosclerosis.
Implications:
- SCAD should be considered in younger patients presenting with ACS symptoms, even without conventional risk factors.
- Comprehensive evaluation for underlying causes like extracoronary vascular abnormalities (EVAs) and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for optimal SCAD patient outcomes.
- Tailored medical therapy and psychological support are vital for recovery and preventing recurrence.
Abstract:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a relatively rare and underdiagnosed condition that can lead to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with a notable incidence in young female patients without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We present an unusual case of SCAD in a young male patient in the absence of common predisposing factors such as fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), connective tissue disorders, and systemic inflammatory conditions. A 29-year-old man presenting with chest pain was diagnosed with SCAD involving the left anterior descending artery (LAD), resulting in an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Coronary angiography revealed a 100% occlusion, and successful angioplasty and stenting were performed. The patient was started on dual antiplatelet therapy along with other therapeutic approaches. Seven months post-intervention, his ejection fraction improved, and statin therapy was discontinued due to the absence of atherosclerotic disease. SCAD should be suspected in younger patients with ACS-like symptoms in the absence of traditional risk factors. Tailored medical therapy, psychological support, and comprehensive evaluation for underlying causes, such as extracoronary vascular abnormalities (EVAs), are critical to recovery and prevention of recurrence. A multidisciplinary approach, balancing conservative, and interventional strategies is essential for optimizing outcomes in SCAD.

