Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a review of the etiology and available treatment options

Heart Vessels. 2009 Nov;24(6):463-5. doi: 10.1007/s00380-009-1153-2. Epub 2009 Nov 22.

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. We present a case of a 36-year-old female runner who was successfully thrombolysed for acute anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending and diagonal arteries. The patient was treated medically with warfarin and dual antiplatelet therapy. Repeat angiography at 8 weeks showed significant angiographic improvement. Exercise stress testing at 10 months was normal and allowed a return to exercise. At 28 months the patient is asymptomatic and fully active. A review of the etiology and available treatment options is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Aortic Dissection / complications
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Dissection / drug therapy*
  • Coronary Aneurysm / complications
  • Coronary Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Aneurysm / drug therapy*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy*
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombolytic Therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Warfarin