Double Trouble - Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection of the Left Anterior Descending and Posterior Descending Arteries in a Right Dominant Circuit: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction is a condition that classically presents with chest pain and corresponding biomarkers and changes on electrocardiogram. Although most causes of acute coronary syndrome are due to acute plaque rupture resulting in coronary thrombosis, an increasingly prevalent condition known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is becoming more commonly diagnosed. SCAD is characterized by a tear in the tunica media resulting in an intramural hematoma. Depending on the size of the hematoma, progressive extension can ultimately lead to coronary occlusion. Our team presents a 52-year-old female patient that presented with substernal chest pain and positive cardiac enzymes. Urgent coronary catheterization revealed bilateral SCAD involving the left anterior descending and posterior descending arteries in a right coronary dominant circuit. Our patient was treated with medical therapy alone and was safely discharged to home after close monitoring in the coronary care unit. Our team hopes to contribute to a growing body of evidence that bilateral SCAD can occur and can be successfully treated without percutaneous coronary intervention.

J Med Cases. 2021;12(12):491-494
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3774