Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Review of Pathogenesis, Presentations, Treatment, and Outcomes

Rev Cardiovasc Med. 2017;18(1):29-36. doi: 10.3909/ricm0842.

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndromes and sudden cardiac death. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, and optimal approaches to diagnosis and management are poorly understood. Additionally, SCAD as a syndrome is commonly under-recognized and its prognosis is not well studied. Guidelines on management of SCAD have not yet been established. We present three cases of SCAD that varied in their clinical presentation and describe the different management strategies utilized. This is followed by a review of the clinical features, epidemiology, prognosis, and potential treatment strategies for patients presenting with SCAD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Bypass*
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / epidemiology
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / therapy*
  • Drug-Eluting Stents
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention* / instrumentation
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional
  • Vascular Diseases / congenital*
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Vascular Diseases / therapy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Coronary Artery Dissection, Spontaneous