Postpartum spontaneous dissection of the first obtuse marginal branch of the left circumflex coronary artery causing acute coronary syndrome: a case report and literature review

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a very rare cause of acute coronary syndromes in young otherwise healthy patients with a striking predilection for the female gender. The pathological mechanism has not been fully clarified yet. However, several diseases and conditions have been associated with SCAD, such as atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders and the peripartum episode. In this paper we present a review of the literature, discussing the possible mechanisms for SCAD, therapeutic options and prognosis. The review is illustrated with two SCAD patients who had a recurrence of a spontaneous dissection in another artery within a few days after the initial event. Because of the susceptibility to recurrent spontaneous dissections we propose at least one week of observation in hospital. Further, we will elaborate on the possible conservative and invasive treatment strategies in the acute phase of SCAD. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention remains the reperfusion strategy of choice; however, in small and medium-sized arteries with normalised flow conservative treatment is defendable. In addition, after the acute phase evaluation of possible underlying diseases is necessary, because it affects further treatment. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:344-9.

Postpartum spontaneous dissection of the first obtuse marginal branch of the left circumflex coronary artery causing acute coronary syndrome: A case report and literature review

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare but important cause of acute coronary syndrome. It can cause unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden death. The condition commonly affects young females with about one-third of the cases occurring during pregnancy and the peripartum period. The diagnosis may occasionally be overlooked as the patients are often young and have no risk factors for coronary artery disease. Here we report the case of a 29-year-old African American woman who presented with acute coronary syndrome due to spontaneous dissection of the first obtuse marginal branch of the left circumflex coronary artery at three weeks post-partum and recovered requiring only medical management, possibly by longitudinal distribution of the intramural hematoma leading to good distal flow. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection should be suspected in all young multiparous females presenting with chest pain in the peripartum period even in the absence of risk factors. Urgent diagnosis by angiography is required. It is recommended that treatment should be tailored to meet individual circumstances. Patients who present with single-vessel disease and hemodynamic stability, and who receive medical treatment with anticoagulation, nitrates and a beta-blocker, should experience good results