Case Report: Recurrent spontaneous coronary artery dissection involving the left main
Matko Spicijarić1,2, Lana Vivoda1, Tomislav Jakljević1,2
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Recurrent spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in the peripartum period, especially involving the left main artery, presents complex challenges. A personalized, multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing this condition and preventing future events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an emerging cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in younger women.
- SCAD diagnosis and treatment are complicated by variable presentations and high recurrence rates.
- Peripartum onset and left main coronary artery involvement significantly increase SCAD complexity.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Coronary Circulation
The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
