Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: the clinical spectrum.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2002

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare but increasingly reported cause of myocardial ischemia and sudden death. It is more commonly seen in younger age groups and has a predilection for postpartum women. The clinical spectrum of its presentation includes angina, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, and death. No specific cardiac risk factors have been associated with its occurrence. In postpartum patients, it is presumed that dissection results from pregnancy-induced degeneration of collagen and the additional stresses of parturition. The sporadic nature of spontaneous coronary artery dissection has precluded the development of any consensus for a medical approach, and treatment is usually tailored to individual patient needs. A case of postpartum spiral dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery with successful medical management is reported.

Volume

53

Issue

1

First Page

89

Last Page

93

ISSN

0003-3197

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

11863314

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS