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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Optical Coherence Tomography: Case Series and Review on Differentiating Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection From
R Ananthakrishnan1, Bharat S Sambyal1
1Department of Cardiology, Institute of Marine Medicine INHS Asvini, Mumbai, India.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a key cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging accurately diagnoses SCAD, preventing incorrect treatments and guiding personalized patient care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an under-recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in younger individuals lacking traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
- Accurate differentiation between SCAD and recanalized thrombi is crucial to prevent inappropriate therapeutic interventions.
Background:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an under-recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in younger patients without conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Accurate differentiation of recanalized thrombi is essential to avoid inappropriate treatment.
Case Summary:
Patients with ACS who underwent intracoronary imaging between January 2024 and June 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Conventional angiography frequently misclassifies lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides diagnostic clarity by identifying intramural hematoma and false lumen morphology in true SCAD, confirming recanalized thrombi through multiple intraluminal channels with preserved vessel walls, or ruling out SCAD by demonstrating fibrocalcific atherosclerosis. These findings directly impact therapeutic decisions, ranging from conservative management to revascularization.
Discussion:
OCT consistently outperformed angiography in resolving the diagnostic ambiguity in suspected SCAD and thrombus, preventing misdirected interventions, and guiding pathology specific therapies.
Conclusions:
OCT is indispensable in suspected SCAD, refining diagnosis, enabling individualized treatment strategies, and improving patient outcomes.
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