Hayes CR, Lewis D. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection of the left circumflex artery causing cardiac tamponade and presenting with atrial fibrillation: a case report and review of the literature.
Angiology 2007;
58:630-5. [PMID:
17901453 DOI:
10.1177/0003319707304532]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is rare. When it does occur, it can present in a myriad of ways and can mimic more common clinical scenarios. Undiagnosed it can be fatal. In this article, the authors present a case of coronary artery dissection in a middle aged man presenting as fast atrial fibrillation with hemodynamic compromise. He was unsuccessfully cardioverted and later arrested and died. Postmortem showed a ruptured dissection of the left circumflex artery causing cardiac tamponade and death. Incidence, associations, pathophysiology, investigations, and treatment options are reviewed.
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