A Complex Case of Pregnancy-related Left Main Stem Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a less common cause of acute coronary syndrome. Pregnancy-related SCAD is uncommon, but often presents with a more severe phenotype. This report describes a 30-year-old woman with an anterior ST elevation MI, presenting 1 day postpartum. Left main stem (LMS) SCAD with extensive intramural haematoma (IMH) and resultant LMS occlusion was confirmed by angiography and intravascular imaging. Given the extent of disease, the patient underwent emergency cardiac surgery. Coronary flow was initially improved by decompressing the IMH using cutting balloons. The coronary wires were successfully left in situ during transfer in an effort to both maintain flow and allow the surgeon to identify true LMS. Ideally, SCAD can be managed conservatively given the risk of intervention worsening IMH, and hence myocardial ischaemia/MI. However, emergency revascularisation is indicated in cases of persistent ischaemia. This case demonstrates percutaneous therapies to bridge towards and help with subsequent surgical revascularisation.