Thomas S Gilhofer1, Jacqueline Saw. 1. Division of Cardiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction (MI) in women with few or no conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Lack of awareness about this condition among healthcare providers had led to significant underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in this relatively young patient population. RECENT FINDINGS: The current review summarizes the contemporary data on cause, management strategies and outcomes of SCAD. SUMMARY: SCAD is not as rare as previously thought, accounting for up to 4% of all acute coronary syndromes. It is frequently linked with predisposing factors, such as fibromuscular dysplasia or other vasculopathies, and is often triggered by physical or emotional stress. Due to more fragile vessel architecture, coronary angiography as the first-line diagnostic tool should be performed meticulously to avoid iatrogenic dissection. Intravascular imaging may be required if angiographic findings are uncertain. Unless patients have high-risk features such as ongoing ischemia, recurrent chest pains, left main artery dissection, ventricular arrhythmias, or hemodynamic instability, a conservative treatment strategy is favored over revascularization. Close monitoring is essential after a SCAD-event as recurrent cardiovascular events post-SCAD are frequent.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction (MI) in women with few or no conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Lack of awareness about this condition among healthcare providers had led to significant underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in this relatively young patient population. RECENT FINDINGS: The current review summarizes the contemporary data on cause, management strategies and outcomes of SCAD. SUMMARY: SCAD is not as rare as previously thought, accounting for up to 4% of all acute coronary syndromes. It is frequently linked with predisposing factors, such as fibromuscular dysplasia or other vasculopathies, and is often triggered by physical or emotional stress. Due to more fragile vessel architecture, coronary angiography as the first-line diagnostic tool should be performed meticulously to avoid iatrogenic dissection. Intravascular imaging may be required if angiographic findings are uncertain. Unless patients have high-risk features such as ongoing ischemia, recurrent chest pains, left main artery dissection, ventricular arrhythmias, or hemodynamic instability, a conservative treatment strategy is favored over revascularization. Close monitoring is essential after a SCAD-event as recurrent cardiovascular events post-SCAD are frequent.
Authors: Mihail Spînu; Laurenţiu Horea Onea; Călin Homorodean; Maria Olinic; Mihai Claudiu Ober; Dan Mircea Olinic Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-01-05 Impact factor: 4.241