Pulse on Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections

Characteristics of Patients with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting with Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the United States and the Potential Role of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a disease entity that often occurs in young, healthy women and can cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. However, the characteristics and outcomes of SCAD with cardiac arrest are not well characterized.

Methods

This study investigated the baseline characteristics of SCAD patients with cardiac arrest using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2016 and 2020. In addition, we also sought to determine the potential impact that implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy had on morbidity and mortality in SCAD patients presenting with cardiac arrest.

Results

Our findings showed that the SCAD with cardiac arrest population had significantly higher comorbidities, including cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulation disorders, liver diseases, solid tumors, coagulopathy, fluid disorders, chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia secondary to deficiency, psychosis, neurological disorders, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF)), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), compared to the SCAD without cardiac arrest population. Likewise, for SCAD patients who did not have an ICD in place, we found increasing age, fluid and electrolyte disorders, uncomplicated diabetes, neurological disorders, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary circulatory disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure to be associated with greater mortality.

Conclusions

SCAD patients with certain comorbidities (e.g., pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, cancers, coagulopathy, and CKD) who presented with AMI or congestive heart failure should be monitored closely for ventricular arrhythmias as they have a higher chance of progressing to cardiac arrest. ICD therapy can be considered for these patients, but data on the success of this treatment option are limited, and more research needs to be performed to determine whether the benefits of this outweigh the risks.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a spontaneous intimal tear of the coronary artery wall. A factor rarely associated with SCAD is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Using the PRISMA guidelines, we identified 10 unique cases of SCAD in ADPKD patients reported between 1998 and 2021. Ages ranged from 36 to 59 years, with an average of 44.6 years. The majority of patients were female (80%). Each case was diagnosed with a cardiovascular event: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 40%, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in 50%, and stable angina in 10%. Conservative management was used in 60% of cases. There is a significant gap in our understanding of the relationship between SCAD and ADPKD. Polycystin complex can lead to structural abnormalities in blood vessels, resulting in vascular leaks and vessel rupture. This suggests that ADPKD patients may have an elevated risk of arteriopathies, including coronary artery dissection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a case series illustrating current challenges in diagnosis and treatment

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has been increasingly recognized in recent years as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, especially among young women. However, due to the lack of clinical trials on SCAD, evidence-based guidance on management is currently lacking. Presented are four case studies that illustrate the recent insights and challenges in SCAD diagnosis and treatment.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): A contemporary review

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized cause of myocardial infarction that most frequently affects younger women, making it an important cause of morbidity and mortality within these demographics. The evolution of intracoronary imaging, improved diagnosis with coronary angiography, and ongoing research efforts and attention via social media, has led to increasing recognition of this previously underdiagnosed condition. In this review, we provide a summary of the current body of knowledge, as well as focused updates on the pathogenesis of SCAD, insights on genetic susceptibility, contemporary diagnostic tools, and immediate, short- and long-term management.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: review, case report and analysis of COVID-19-related cases

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) accounts for 1-4% of all acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Since the first description in 1931, our understanding of the disease has evolved; however, its pathophysiology and management are still a matter of debate. SCAD typically occurs in a middle-aged woman with no or few traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology depending on the primary event: an intimal tear in the "inside-out" hypothesis and a spontaneous hemorrhage from the vasa vasorum in the "outside-in" hypothesis. Etiology appears to be multifactorial: different predisposing and precipitating factors have been identified. Coronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of SCAD. Current recommendations on the treatment of SCAD patients are based on expert opinions: a conservative strategy is preferred in hemodynamically stable SCAD patients, while urgent revascularization should be considered in hemodynamically unstable patients. Eleven cases of SCAD in COVID-19 patients have already been described: although the exact pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear, COVID-19-related SCAD is considered a combination of significant systemic inflammatory response and localized vascular inflammation. We present a literature review of SCAD, and we report an unpublished case of SCAD in a COVID-19 patient.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: an overview

The prevalence of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has increased over the last decades in young adults presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Although the diagnostic tools, including intracoronary imaging, have permitted a more accurate diagnosis of SCAD, the prognosis and overall outcomes remain dismal. Furthermore, the disproportionate sex distribution affecting more women and the underdiagnosis in many parts of the world render this pathology a persistent clinical challenge, particularly since the management remains largely supportive with a limited and controversial role for percutaneous or surgical interventions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature on SCAD and to provide insights into the gaps in knowledge and areas requiring further investigation.

Balloon assisted hematoma fenestration in spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Case presentation and literature review

The management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is lacking randomized data. This also holds for SCAD with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction where stenting has been used to restore coronary flow. This approach can be associated with many drawbacks. Therefore, we present an alternative approach to stenting when coronary flow cannot be restored using cutting balloons alone.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in Early Pregnancy: Medical and Ethical Decision-Making Issues

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in young females is a rare condition that typically occurs during the postpartum period.Even more rare is when SCAD occurs during the antepartum phase of pregnancy. This scenario can have catastrophic outcomes for both the mother and the unborn child. Due to its infrequency, there is minimal information on how to treat these patients effectively while keeping both the mother and the unborn child as safe as possible. We present a case of a 36-year-old multiparous Caucasian female brought in by an ambulance for sudden-onset left-sided chest pain radiating to her left shoulder, arm, and back. The initial laboratory tests were significant for a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 190.82 pg/mL (the normal range is less than 100 pg/mL) and a troponin level of 3.98 ng/mL (the normal range is less than 0.04 ng/mL), which peaked to 18.39 ng/mL in less than 24 hours. Electrocardiogram (EKG) showed sinus tachycardia of 103 beats per minute (bpm) and anterolateral ST-T changes suggestive of ischemia. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was 32 mIU/mL (the normal range is less than 5 mIU/mL), which may indicate early pregnancy. Echocardiogram (ECHO) showed left anterior descending (LAD) artery territory wall motion abnormalities, which included the akinesis of the apical, middle, and apical anterior septum and the hypokinesis of the basal anteroseptal segment. Her calculated ejection fraction was 38.4% with no valvular abnormalities. Cardiac catheterization showed severe diffuse LAD disease in the proximal segment with the middle LAD and diagonal branch subtotally occluded. The right coronary artery (RCA) had severe disease. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted for a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The procedure performed was a three-vessel coronary artery bypass graft, which included the following: left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to middle LAD, saphenous vein graft (SVG) to distal LAD, and SVG to diagonal. This case report aims to provide additional information to the database of SCAD in pregnant females undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

The Australian New Zealand Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (ANZ-SCAD) Registry - A Multi-Centre Cohort Study: Protocol, Background and Significance

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an under-recognised cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with a strong female predominance. There are currently limited prospective studies and no randomised controlled trials that inform on SCAD's best clinical care. Little is also known about predictors of acute SCAD deterioration or recurrence. We describe the study design of a multi-centre prospective and historical cohort study recruiting patients with SCAD across 15-20 sites in Australia/New Zealand (NZ). The primary aim is to describe the clinical presentation, management and outcomes along with predictors of acute deterioration and recurrence in a large Australian/NZ SCAD cohort, with international data pooling.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Consented patients diagnosed with SCAD during a hospital admission for an ACS will be prospectively followed at 30 days then yearly, for up to 5 years. Each recruiting site will also retrospectively identify historical cases of SCAD from the proceeding 10 years, with a waiver of consent. For historical cases, data will be collected in a de-identified manner with date of last follow-up or death obtained from the medical records. All cases undergo core laboratory adjudication of coronary angiography and any accompanying imaging to confirm SCAD diagnosis. The primary endpoint will be occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events; a composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction (including SCAD recurrence), stroke/transient ischaemic attack, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest/ventricular arrhythmia, heart transplantation and, repeat/unplanned revascularisation. Secondary endpoints will include each individual primary outcome as well as acute SCAD extension and quality of life/Seattle Angina Score in prospectively recruited participants. Endpoints will be assessed at the end of the hospital admission and at 30-days, 1 year, and median long-term follow-up.

ETHICS

Multicentre ethics approval has been granted from the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2021/ETH00040).

DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS

The analysed results will be published in peer-reviewed journals on completion of the historical data collection and then on completion of the prospective data collection.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

The ANZ-SCAD registry has been prospectively registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000824864).

Cardiac rehabilitation following coronary artery dissection: recommendations and patient considerations

INTRODUCTION

: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary intervention for secondary prevention, improving functional capacity, enhancing quality of life, and improving psychosocial wellbeing in broad range of cardiovascular disease. It has been well studied over a number of years and is a Class I recommendation in multiple guidelines. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the usefulness of CR in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).

AREAS COVERED

: This narrative review aims to give an overview of the evidence underpinning CR as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of SCAD and how they relate to exercise and shear stress. Furthermore, the evidence of the usefulness of CR in the SCAD population will be reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

: Traditional CR programs are safe and effective in SCAD cohorts, however SCAD specific CR (SCAD-CR) has significant benefits including reductions in MACE. The principles of SCAD-CR should be applied to any CR for SCAD patients for optimal outcomes and minimization of harm.

Antiplatelet therapy in patients with conservatively managed spontaneous coronary artery dissection from the multicentre DISCO registry

AIMS

The role of antiplatelet therapy in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) undergoing initial conservative management is still a matter of debate, with theoretical arguments in favour and against its use. The aims of this article are to assess the use of antiplatelet drugs in medically treated SCAD patients and to investigate the relationship between single (SAPT) and dual (DAPT) antiplatelet regimens and 1-year patient outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the 1-year outcome of patients with SCAD managed with initial conservative treatment included in the DIssezioni Spontanee COronariche (DISCO) multicentre international registry. Patients were divided into two groups according to SAPT or DAPT prescription. Primary endpoint was 12-month incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any unplanned percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Out of 314 patients included in the DISCO registry, we investigated 199 patients in whom SCAD was managed conservatively. Most patients were female (89%), presented with acute coronary syndrome (92%) and mean age was 52.3 ± 9.3 years. Sixty-seven (33.7%) were given SAPT whereas 132 (66.3%) with DAPT. Aspirin plus either clopidogrel or ticagrelor were prescribed in 62.9% and 36.4% of DAPT patients, respectively. Overall, a 14.6% MACE rate was observed at 12 months of follow-up. Patients treated with DAPT had a significantly higher MACE rate than those with SAPT [18.9% vs. 6.0% hazard ratios (HR) 2.62; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.22-5.61; P = 0.013], driven by an early excess of non-fatal MI or unplanned PCI. At multiple regression analysis, type 2a SCAD (OR: 3.69; 95% CI 1.41-9.61; P = 0.007) and DAPT regimen (OR: 4.54; 95% CI 1.31-14.28; P = 0.016) resulted independently associated with a higher risk of 12-month MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

In this European registry, most patients with SCAD undergoing initial conservative management received DAPT. Yet, at 1-year follow-up, DAPT, as compared with SAPT, was independently associated with a higher rate of adverse cardiovascular events (ClinicalTrial.gov id: NCT04415762).

Pregnancy-Associated Chest Pain: A Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction that typically affects women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. It is the most common cause of myocardial infarction in pregnant and postpartum women. SCAD is often underdiagnosed due to the lack of clinician familiarity, and patients with pregnancy-associated SCAD often have more severe clinical presentations than those without. We present a case of SCAD in a multiparous woman who presented with acute chest pain in the postpartum period.

Clinical characteristics of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in young female patients with acute myocardial infarction in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and clinical outcomes of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in young female patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

We identified 8,250 patients diagnosed with AMI who underwent coronary angiogram from the Chonnam National University Hospital database, Gwangju, Korea, between November 2005 and September 2017. A total of 148 female patients aged less than 60 years with a history of AMI were retrospectively studied and the characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated for all SCAD patients.

RESULTS

Among female patients with AMI aged less than 60 years, the prevalence of SCAD was 8.78% (13 of 148). Based on the angiographic classification, type 2 SCAD was most commonly observed on angiograms in 69.2% of the cases (nine of 13), followed by type 3 in 23.1% (three of 13), and type 1 in 7.7% (one of 13). Furthermore, the left anterior descending (LAD) artery was the most commonly affected coronary artery (76.9%, 10 of 13 cases) and the distal segments of the coronary arteries were the most common sites of SCAD (92.3%, 12 of 13). Regarding the clinical outcomes, one of 13 patients experienced repeat revascularization during the following 31 months.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of SCAD was 8.7%, indicating that SCAD is not rare, among female patients aged less than 60 years with AMI in Korea. Type 2 SCAD was most commonly observed on angiogram. Moreover, the distal portion of the LAD was the segment most commonly affected by SCAD. The long-term clinical outcomes were favorable in patients surviving SCAD.

A review of diagnosis, etiology, assessment, and management of patients with myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease

Myocardial infarction (MI) in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is prevalent in around 5% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presentations. MINOCA is a heterogeneous entity with many different etiologies. It is important for health care providers to familiarize themselves with the disease process, presentation, and possible underlying causes in order to guide appropriate management strategies. In this article, the authors review the contemporary definition, etiologies and assessment, and management for AMI patients with MINOCA.

A 'parachute effect' mockingly sealing a spontaneous coronary artery dissection: what we have learnt from intravascular imaging

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is often underdiagnosed. It accounts for a certain amount of acute coronary syndromes. Intravascular imaging, either intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography, represents a relevant ally for interventional cardiologist. Here we report an intriguing case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection not immediately diagnosed due to the explained parachute effect, managed invasively according to an algorithm previously published, with a good long-term outcome.

Case Report of an Acute Myocardial Infarction as a Result of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Patient with Fibromuscular Dysplasia

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an underdiagnosed and rare cause of myocardial infarction (MI). SCAD is defined as the separation of the coronary artery wall by hemorrhage with or without intimal tear. It causes acute coronary syndrome in 1.7% to 4% of cases.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a patient with acute MI caused by SCAD with marked progression of dissection within 4 days and spontaneous healing in 2 months. Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) of the arteries is an associated condition of SCAD that was found in our patient.

CONCLUSION

In young women admitted to the clinic with signs of acute myocardial infarction, SCAD should be suspected. FMD as an associated condition that should be ruled out in every SCAD patient. Conservative treatment of SCAD is the most preferable strategy.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: contemporary aspects of diagnosis and patient management

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an increasingly recognised cause of acute coronary syndromes, especially in young and middle-age women. Recognising its particularities and differences with atherosclerotic disease is central for appropriately identifying and approaching these patients. The authors review the current state of knowledge on spontaneous coronary artery dissection and provide practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of this condition, both in the acute and convalescence phases.

Acute myocardial infarction secondary to blunt chest trauma in motorcycle accident: A rare combination where percutaneous coronary intervention and intravascular imaging optimization are needed

Blunt chest trauma is a common occurrence in vehicle accident. Cardiac injuries following nonpenetrating thoracic trauma have been reported. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to coronary artery involvement is a rare but extremely serious condition for the high risk of undetected diagnosis. Blunt thoracic trauma may obscure typical chest pain associated with cardiac ischemia especially in patients with high tolerance of pain or secondary administration of analgesic drugs. We report two consecutive cases of young adults admitted to our emergency department after motorcycle accident and concomitant anterior STEMI due to occlusion of left anterior descending artery. In both cases primary percutaneous coronary intervention with a second generation drug eluting stent implantation was successfully performed. Imaging with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography showed the mechanisms of coronary occlusion, allowing an optimal stent implantation and avoiding procedural complications in this complex setting.

Spontaneous dissection of the celiac artery in the young: a case report and systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

The spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (siCAD) represents a challenging cause of abdominal pain and complete information regarding incidence, etiology and risk factors in the young is still lacking. In this study, we report a case of siCAD occurred in a young woman and we systematically searched for information on siCADs in literature databases.

METHODS

PubMed/Embase and Cochrane were searched for, using the following terms: Isolated celiac trunk dissection, isolated celiac artery dissection, celiac artery dissection, celiac trunk dissection, spontaneous isolated visceral artery dissection, spontaneous isolated dissection of visceral arteries, isolated celiac artery dissection in the young, isolated celiac trunk dissection in the young. Patients were included if they were younger than 50 years, if they had a spontaneous etiology and a selective involvement of the celiac artery (with or without involvement of its branches).

RESULTS

180 studies were found, and 18 remained after screening. Twenty-one patients (male = 19, female = 2) with siCADs were included. Mean age was 44.71 ± 3.61 years. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity. All patients presented with abdominal pain, more often located in the epigastrium (n = 11). Almost all patients underwent CT to confirm the diagnosis. A conservative treatment was adopted in 13 patients while an invasive approach was adopted in 8 patients (endovascular approach in 7).

DISCUSSION

siCADs represent a rare but important cause of vascular dissection in the young. Uncomplicated cases can be safely treated with conservative strategies. The surgical or endovascular repair is indicated when dissections complicate or symptoms persist despite an adequate conservative treatment.

A lesson from intravascular imaging: insights for recognizing a spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is still today an underdiagnosed disease due to the absence of angiographic hallmarks in more than 70% of cases. In several cases, an intravascular imaging is a sole tool for recognizing a dissection. Particularly, optical coherence tomography analysis (OCT) could represent the gold standard technique of easy interpretation and prompt diagnosis. Here we present a rare case of multivessel spontaneous coronary artery disease (SCAD) with atypical collateral circulation.