Acute cardiac disease in the postpartum: What to think

Echocardiography. 2019 Nov;36(11):2099-2102. doi: 10.1111/echo.14524. Epub 2019 Nov 6.

Abstract

A rare case of a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in the postpartum of a 32-year-old woman is presented. Pregnancy-related SCAD is a potentially life-threatening condition. SCAD is triggered by nonatherosclerotic disease, typically affects young-aged women and is still often underdiagnosed. Cardiac magnetic resonance is crucial to demonstrate the ischemic origin of the disease. A conservative management is generally preferred in stable SCAD as most dissected segments will heal spontaneously over a few months. Additionally, the percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with high rate of complications and procedural failure. The aim of this case was to improve awareness of SCAD and to advise clinicians seeking aid with patient management.

Keywords: microvascular obstruction; postpartum; spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Coronary Angiography / methods*
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / methods*
  • Postpartum Period*
  • Pregnancy
  • Vascular Diseases / congenital*
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnosis

Supplementary concepts

  • Coronary Artery Dissection, Spontaneous