Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Case Series Reviewing Typical Presentations of an Atypical Pathology

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of myocardial infarction. Patients suffering SCAD are often young women without typical risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for SCAD. Case series: We report three cases of patients with SCAD from a single physician in a six-month period. Each case is unique and highlights the varied presentations and epidemiological risk factors associated with this condition. Discussion: We believe these cases are unique in that they provide insights into the variable presentations and conditions frequently associated with SCAD and will help clinicians maintain a high index of suspicion for this difficult to diagnose and rare cause of type 2 myocardial infarction. We discuss differences in interventional techniques and medical management.