A complicated spontaneous left main coronary artery dissection. Is the initial conservative management safe in asymptomatic patients?

Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2012 Nov-Dec;13(6):362-4. doi: 10.1016/j.carrev.2012.08.005. Epub 2012 Oct 17.

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. Knowledge of this condition is scarce and, at present, no consensus exists with regards to the aetiology, prognosis, and treatment. Among patients with SCAD, cases involving the left main (LM) and the left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex (Cx) arteries bifurcation are even more exceptional. Furthermore, the treatment of asymptomatic patients with involvement of these major vessels poses a major challenge for the cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. We report a case of complicated spontaneous left main coronary artery dissection in which we question what is the best initial treatment in these asymptomatic patients: conservative or early aggressive.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery*
  • Coronary Angiography*
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Prognosis