Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting Research Articles

Demographic, clinical characteristics, managements strategies and in-hospital outcomes of patients enrolled in prospective nationwide SCAD registry

Abstract Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon yet increasingly recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in young to middle-aged women. This multicentric, prospective nation-wide registry aimed to elucidate the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes of patients with SCAD. A total of 95 patients with SCAD were enrolled in 10 centers, with females constituting 81% of the cohort, and with an average age of 49.7±11.9 years. Among the traditional risk factors, prior hypertension was observed in 49%, followed by hyperlipidemia in 43%, diabetes mellitus in 9% and prior or current smoking in 47% of patients. The presentation of SCAD as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was predominant, occurring in 61% of cases, with the left anterior descending artery (LAD) being the most involved vessel (68%). Regarding the classification of SCAD, type 2 SCAD was the most frequent (53%), followed by type 1 (24%) and type 4 (16%). Notably, involvement of the distal segment of the culprit artery was observed in 68% of cases, while baseline TIMI 3 flow was noted in 52% of patients. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in 52% of cases, with pre-interventional TIMI 0-2 flow (62% Vs. 28%; p<0.05) and proximal artery involvement (41% Vs. 13%; p<0.05) being more prevalent compared to conservatively managed patients. Final stent implantation was performed in 67% of PCI cases, with TIMI 3 flow restoration in 76% of patients undergoing PCI. The average left ventricular ejection fraction prior to discharge was 51±9.9%. In-hospital mortality was reported in three female patients, undergoing attempted PCI with left main and LAD involvement. The use of antiplatelet therapy was widespread, with aspirin administered to 98% and P2Y12 inhibitors to 75% of patients at discharge. Data from this prospective nationwide multicentric SCAD registry show that SCAD occurs predominantly in relatively young female patients, with moderately prevalent traditional cardiovascular risk factors, usually presents as STEMI, with good overall survival rates despite half of the patients managed conservatively. PCI was often attempted in SCAD lesion with compromised arterial flow and located proximally, with lower rates of stent implantation and procedure success compared to traditionally observed rates in primary PCI. This underscores the importance of heightened awareness and tailored management approaches for this unique subset of ACS patients in order to refine risk stratification, optimize treatment strategies, and improve outcomes in this population.

TCT-682 Gender Difference in the Outcomes of Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Developing Cardiogenic Shock

TCT-682 Gender Difference in the Outcomes of Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Developing Cardiogenic Shock

Characteristics of Patients with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting with Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the United States and the Potential Role of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a disease entity that often occurs in young, healthy women and can cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. However, the characteristics and outcomes of SCAD with cardiac arrest are not well characterized. This study investigated the baseline characteristics of SCAD patients with cardiac arrest using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2016 and 2020. In addition, we also sought to determine the potential impact that implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy had on morbidity and mortality in SCAD patients presenting with cardiac arrest. Our findings showed that the SCAD with cardiac arrest population had significantly higher comorbidities, including cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulation disorders, liver diseases, solid tumors, coagulopathy, fluid disorders, chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia secondary to deficiency, psychosis, neurological disorders, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF)), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), compared to the SCAD without cardiac arrest population. Likewise, for SCAD patients who did not have an ICD in place, we found increasing age, fluid and electrolyte disorders, uncomplicated diabetes, neurological disorders, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary circulatory disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure to be associated with greater mortality. SCAD patients with certain comorbidities (e.g., pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, cancers, coagulopathy, and CKD) who presented with AMI or congestive heart failure should be monitored closely for ventricular arrhythmias as they have a higher chance of progressing to cardiac arrest. ICD therapy can be considered for these patients, but data on the success of this treatment option are limited, and more research needs to be performed to determine whether the benefits of this outweigh the risks.

Guidance Directed Care of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Healthcare System-Based Experience

IntroductionData on treatment of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has evolved with guidance from national societies beginning around 2018. Given emerging guidance and relatively uncommon presentation of SCAD, we hypothesized that a specialized SCAD clinic would improve guidance-based care. MethodsWe utilized a system-wide electronic medical record search to identify individuals with SCAD diagnosis from 2018 to 2023. All diagnostic angiograms were reviewed to verify diagnosis. We analyzed frequency of guidance-based care since 2018 system-wide. We also compared guidance-based care for individuals with index visits to the SCAD outpatient clinic as compared to non-SCAD clinic providers from initiation of specialty clinic in 2021. ResultsDifferences were observed in pregnancy and contraception discussions (88 % vs 0 %, p < 0.001) among pre-menopausal individuals in SCAD clinic compared to non-SCAD clinics. Safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women was addressed more by SCAD clinic providers (85 % vs 7 %, p < 0.001). There was more fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) screening in SCAD clinic (100 % vs 30 %, p < 0.001). Among individuals with migraines, there was more discussion of triggering medications (triptans) in SCAD clinic (80 % vs 14 %, p = 0.008). In individuals prescribed statins not by primary prevention guidelines and without atherosclerosis, there was a trend toward more discussion of statin use in SCAD clinic follow up vs non-SCAD clinic providers (63 % vs 17 %, p = 0.06). ConclusionsIndividuals with follow up in SCAD clinic compared to non-SCAD clinics were more likely to have future pregnancy and contraception counseling, discussion of HRT safety, and FMD screening following index outpatient visit. Future quality improvement initiatives will target these aspects of guidance-based care among non-SCAD clinic providers with integration into cardiology fellow training.

Chest Pain: Wellens Syndrome Due to Spontaneous Dissection of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery - A Case Report and Literature Review.

Wellens syndrome is an abnormal electrocardiographic pattern characterized by biphasic (type A) or deeply inverted (type B) T waves in leads V2-V3. It is typically caused by temporary obstruction of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery due to the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque leading to occlusion. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome and even a rarer cause of Wellens Syndrome. It occurs when an intramural hematoma forms, leading to the separation of the tunica intima from the outer layers and creating a false lumen that protrudes into the real lumen, ultimately reducing blood flow and thus resulting in myocardial infarction. Here we report a case of SCAD presenting as an acute coronary syndrome with self-resolving chest pain, slightly elevated myocardial necrosis markers and electrocardiographic changes consistent with Wellens pattern type A first, and type B afterwards, that were not present upon arrival to the emergency department.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting as Electrical Storm: A Case Report.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction in patients of younger age without typical atherosclerotic risk factors and can present with ventricular arrhythmia such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Electrical storm (ES) is defined as greater than or equal to 3 episodes of VT or VF occurring within 24 hours. A healthy 38-year-old-male developed chest pain while exercising at the gym and presented to the emergency department unresponsive in a ventricular arrhythmia defined as ES. The patient's cardiac arrest was initially refractory to standard defibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support medications. He was ultimately diagnosed with SCAD of the left anterior descending artery, which was stented. The patient survived neurologically intact after a 13-day hospital stay. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a significant cause of acute coronary syndrome and occurs in healthier patients without cardiac risk factors. Electrical storm represents a unique manifestation of SCAD. Emergency physicians should maintain a heightened suspicion for SCAD for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Manual thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention: Cherish as “Blessing of Thanksgiving” in a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting with large intracoronary thrombus burden

Manual thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention: Cherish as “Blessing of Thanksgiving” in a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting with large intracoronary thrombus burden

220 MANAGING CARDIAC ARREST SECONDARY TO SPONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION: SHOULD WE ROUTINELY CONSIDER ICD IMPLANTATION?

Abstract Introduction Cardiac arrest secondary to a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) represents a challenging scenario. It deserves specific considerations due to the dramatic presentation and the need for secondary sudden cardiac death prevention. Methods We collected clinical data of four women admitted during the last two years in the Coronary Care Unit of Parma University Hospital, whose presentation of SCAD were cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Results Three patients survived the acute phases. One patient, being considered at high risk of SCAD recurrence, received a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD). Acute management of cardiac arrest related to SCAD deserves specific considerations. Our case series illustrates the importance of prompt resuscitation manoeuvres and early defibrillation. We propose a flow chart of management of cardiac arrest in patient with suspect of SCAD. Evaluating risk of SCAD recurrence and sudden cardiac death The management of SCAD patients complicated by malignant ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest is challenging. Looking at published registries, it appears that SCAD patients are more likely to suffer from ventricular arrythmia or sudden cardiac death than non-SCAD MI patients. The risk-benefit ratio of ICD implantation in these patients remain uncertain . Evaluation of scar burden with CMR can help stratify the global arrhythmic risk, especially as extensive myocardial scar with a residual impaired LVEF increases the risk of future arrhythmic events. In our series, only one patient underwent S-ICD implantation, and the decision was mainly driven by the finding of underlying arteriopathy affecting other vascular territories, suggesting a potentially higher rate of SCAD recurrence. For this particular subset of patients, we propose an algorithm that combines predisposing factors and myocardia injury quantification data that could be useful for the estimate of the risk of malignant arrythmias, as well as the risk of recurrence of SCAD, but needs to be validated in larger case studies. Conclusions The acute management of cardiac arrest related to SCAD deserves specific consideration. The residual myocardial damage, predisposing and precipitants factors should be evaluated in order to estimate the SCAD recurrence and sudden cardiac death risks.

Abstract 14695: Prevalence of Extracoronary Vascular Abnormalities Among Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Look at Scad Across the Lifespan

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction in young women; however, SCAD has also been described in older patients. Differences in SCAD presentation, cardiovascular risk factors, presence of extracoronary vascular abnormalities (EVAs), and management across the lifespan have been understudied. Methods: Single-center cohort study of consecutive patients seen in a dedicated SCAD clinic. Medical history, radiographic, and angiographic data were collected. All patients underwent brain to pelvis CTA imaging to evaluate for EVAs. Patients were stratified into three age groups: 20-40, 40-60, and ≥60 years. Differences among age groups were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables and Pearson Chi-squared tests or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables. Results: 193 patients met inclusion criteria, 94.3% women. Prevalence of hypertension (14.8%, 42.6%, and 60%, p&lt;0.001) and dyslipidemia (11.1%, 37.4%, and 53.3%, p&lt;0.001) increased with age. Precipitating factors were significantly different among age groups (p&lt;0.001) with usual exertion more commonly seen in the older cohort (25.5%, 39%, 73.3%). Peripartum SCAD (40%, 2.5%, 0%) and female sex (94.5%, 95.9%, 80%) were more commonly seen in the younger cohort (p&lt;0.001). Younger patients were more frequently discharged on anticoagulation (10.9%, 0.8%, 0%, p&lt;0.004). There were no significant differences in SCAD presentation, vessel involvement, SCAD management, and EVA prevalence. Procedural complications were not different. Conclusions: Older women who develop SCAD have more typical risk factors for ACS including hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Clinical presentation, vessel distribution, and management of SCAD do not vary across age groups. The prevalence of arteriopathies is high and similar across age groups, underscoring the importance of the evaluation for EVAs following SCAD in patients of all ages.

Abstract 13419: Racial Differences in Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Report of the ISCAD Registry

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a nonatherosclerotic cause of myocardial infarction. The demographics and clinical differences based on race in patients with SCAD are not well understood. Methods: Demographics and clinical variables were obtained from the prospective, multicenter iSCAD Registry. Characteristics of study participants (including demographics, past medical history, timeline, imaging studies, follow-up visits, SCAD presentation, and treatment) were compared between white and non-white patients. Race and ethnicity was self-reported by a patient questionnaire. Results: A total of 505 patients were included in the analysis. Among them, 427 (84.6%) were characterized as white and 78 (15.4%) were characterized as non-white. White patients were 49.5 years and non-white patients were 46.8 years at the time of the initial SCAD presentation (p=0.0435). White patients were more likely to be married (77% vs 51%, p&lt;0.0001) and were more likely to have a college degree (42 vs 28%, p&lt;0.0001). White patients were more likely to present to the hospital in less than 24 hours (85% vs 75%, p=0.07) and have an angiogram in less than 24 hours (78% vs 58%, p=0.004). White patients were more likely to present with STEMI (30% vs 11%, p=0.004) and were more likely to receive revascularization (25% vs 11%, p=0.0147). A multivariable analysis explored the variables associated with angiography greater than 24 hours. STEMI vs NSTEMI [OR 0.090 (0.035 to 0.231), p&lt;0.0001] and white vs non-white [OR 0.376 (0.188 to 0.755), p=0.0059] remained significant. White patients were more likely to have fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), (43% vs 30%, p=0.0336). There was no significant difference in the number of non-coronary vascular imaging studies between the two groups. Conclusions: The number of non-white patients enrolled in the iSCAD registry is low. White patients with SCAD were more likely to present with STEMI and were more likely to have a diagnosis of FMD. Further research is needed to study associations between race and differences in presentation, comorbidities, and treatment in patients with SCAD.

Abstract 14370: Significant Heterogeneity in Antiplatelet Regimen for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Report of the ISCAD Registry

Introduction: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is standard for patients (pts.) with acute coronary syndrome due to atherosclerosis. Evidence to support DAPT vs single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is limited. Hypothesis: Prescription of DAPT vs SAPT varies among specialized centers for SCAD. Methods: Analysis of 505 pts. with complete patient questionnaire, case report form, and angiography review enrolled in the iSCAD Registry from 9 sites with &gt; 20 pts. enrolled. Data are presented for 442 pts. with complete medication data who received DAPT or SAPT during index hospitalization (HOSP) and continued at discharge (DC). Results: Patient age 49.6 + 10.2 years, 83% were female. Presentation of SCAD: NSTEMI (55.9%), STEMI (26.9%), unstable angina (13.8%), cardiac arrest (4.3%), cardiogenic shock (0.2%). Most common SCAD location was the LAD (60.9%); 20.8% had multivessel SCAD. Management was: medical therapy (75.2%), PCI (22.5%), CABG (1.4%), or PCI + CABG (0.92%). During HOSP 70.1% (317/452) were treated with DAPT vs 29.9% SAPT (135/452). At DC, 74.7% were prescribed DAPT (339/442) vs 25.3% SAPT (112/452). In multivariable analyses, only PCI as SCAD treatment was associated with DAPT during HOSP (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.90-6.70) or DC (OR 4.9, 95% CI 2.28-10.53). There was significant heterogeneity of antiplatelet regimen across sites ranging from 34.0%-87% DAPT during HOSP (p&lt;0.0001) and 53.8%-83.6% DAPT at DC (p=0.0011) (Figure). There was a trend of recurrent MI among pts. treated with DAPT vs SAPT during HOSP that did not achieve statistical significance (7.1% vs 3.0%, P=0.09). Conclusion: In the iSCAD Registry, most pts. with SCAD were treated with DAPT during index HOSP and DC with significant heterogeneity across sites. PCI during index HOSP was associated with DAPT (vs SAPT) prescription. Further study of outcomes, including recurrent MI, with DAPT (vs SAPT) during hospitalization and subsequent follow-up is needed.

Abstract 13011: A Rare Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare condition; an intimal tear or bleeding of vasa vasorum leads to the creation of a false lumen filled with intramural hematoma. The hematoma causes coronary stenosis, leading to subsequent myocardial ischemia. SCAD is the cause of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in 0.1 to 4% of cases. Men account for less than 10% of cases, with a mean age of 48.6. Case Study: A 19-year-old male with prior medical history of morbid obesity and marijuana use was transferred from another hospital to our service after presenting with non-ST elevation MI. He was admitted following 30 minutes of a throbbing/pressure-like sensation in his throat, one episode of vomiting, and paresthesia in his left arm that spontaneously resolved. Initial EKG showed sinus rhythm with early repolarization changes. His troponin rose from 0.2 to 18 ng/mL. Upon admission, his high sensitivity troponin peaked at 15,000 pg/mL. Repeat EKG showed dynamic changes with T wave inversions in the inferolateral leads. The patient underwent an angiogram showing a diffuse, mid-LAD 40% de novo spontaneous dissection and a diffuse, distal-LAD 20% de novo spontaneous dissection with TIMI grade 3 and 2 flow, respectively. A repeat angiogram two days later showed improved coronary artery flow and deemed a low-risk lesion with stable patient hemodynamics; no intervention followed. The patient was treated conservatively with DAPT and discharged home with an outpatient Cardiology follow-up. A plan to have further imaging in 4 weeks to assess hematoma resolution was made. Conclusions: This case demonstrates an atypical presentation of SCAD in a very low-risk patient, given his sex, age, and clinical presentation of nonspecific chest pain. This case highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion for SCAD regardless of ACS risk profile in a patient presenting with chest pain.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Review of Possible Pathophysiological Risk Factors.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that typically affects the younger and healthier female population without the typical ACS risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. The clinical presentation of SCAD can be diverse and the diagnosis is typically by coronary angiography but also can require advanced imaging such as intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography. Past studies have shown the atypical patient characteristics of SCAD patients among ACS patients. The main challenge is that the exact pathophysiology of SCAD is unknown. Potential pathophysiological risk factors are discussed including fibromuscular dysplasia, other arteriopathies, pregnancy and female sex hormone changes, migraines, inflammatory conditions, and stress. The current understanding of these risk factors along with potential pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. There still remain many areas of additional investigation in understanding this rare cause of ACS.

Asociación entre el tratamiento hormonal y los eventos clínicos tempranos en mujeres con disección coronaria espontánea

Introduction and objectivesChanges in sex hormone levels are a known triggering factor for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in women. However, it is unknown whether exposure to exogenous hormone therapy (HT) at the time of SCAD presentation modifies the clinical course of this condition. We investigated the association between HT in female patients presenting with SCAD and short-term clinical outcomes. MethodsWe enrolled consecutive patients presenting with SCAD from the DISCO-IT/SPA (dissezioni spontanee coronariche Italian-Spanish) registry. Women on HT (estrogens, progestagens, or gonadotropins) at the time of presentation were identified, and their clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were compared with those not receiving active HT. The outcome measure was nonfatal myocardial infarction and/or unplanned percutaneous coronary intervention during the first 28 days after the index catheterization. ResultsOf 224 women presenting with SCAD (mean age 52.0±10.0 years), 39 (17.4%) were currently using HT while 185 (82.6%) were not. No significant differences were noted in the baseline demographics, clinical presentation, angiographic features, or initial treatment received between the 2 groups. All patients on systemic HT (n=36, 92%) discontinued it at the time of diagnosis. The composite outcome occurred in 7 (17.9%) patients with prior HT compared with 14 (7.6%) without (P=.039). After multivariable adjustment, HT remained associated with the composite outcome recorded in the first 28 days of follow-up (HR, 3.53; 95%CI, 1.30-9.61; P=.013). ConclusionsIn women with SCAD, exposure to HT at the time of clinical presentation was associated with short-term recurrent cardiovascular events such as nonfatal myocardial infarction and/or unplanned percutaneous revascularization.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

Association between hormone therapy and short-term cardiovascular events in women with spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Introduction and objectivesChanges in sex hormone levels are a known triggering factor for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in women. However, it is unknown whether exposure to exogenous hormone therapy (HT) at the time of SCAD presentation modifies the clinical course of this condition. We investigated the association between HT in female patients presenting with SCAD and short-term clinical outcomes. MethodsWe enrolled consecutive patients presenting with SCAD from the DISCO-IT/SPA (dissezioni spontanee coronariche Italian-Spanish) registry. Women on HT (estrogens, progestagens, or gonadotropins) at the time of presentation were identified, and their clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were compared with those not receiving active HT. The outcome measure was nonfatal myocardial infarction and/or unplanned percutaneous coronary intervention during the first 28 days after the index catheterization. ResultsOf 224 women presenting with SCAD (mean age 52.0±10.0 years), 39 (17.4%) were currently using HT while 185 (82.6%) were not. No significant differences were noted in the baseline demographics, clinical presentation, angiographic features, or initial treatment received between the 2 groups. All patients on systemic HT (n=36, 92%) discontinued it at the time of diagnosis. The composite outcome occurred in 7 (17.9%) patients with prior HT compared with 14 (7.6%) without (P=.039). After multivariable adjustment, HT remained associated with the composite outcome recorded in the first 28 days of follow-up (HR, 3.53; 95%CI, 1.30-9.61; P=.013). ConclusionsIn women with SCAD, exposure to HT at the time of clinical presentation was associated with short-term recurrent cardiovascular events such as nonfatal myocardial infarction and/or unplanned percutaneous revascularization.

C12 MANAGING CARDIAC ARREST SECONDARY TO SPONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION: SHOULD WE ROUTINELY CONSIDER ICD IMPLANTATION? INSIGHTS FROM PARMA SCAD REGISTRY

Abstract Background Cardiac arrest secondary to a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) represents a challenging scenario. It deserves specific considerations due to the dramatic presentation and the need for secondary sudden cardiac death prevention. Methods We collected clinical data of four women admitted during the last two years in the Coronary Care Unit of Parma University Hospital, whose presentation of SCAD were cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (Table1). Results Three patients survived the acute phases. One patient, being considered at high risk of SCAD recurrence, received a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (S–ICD). Acute management of cardiac arrest related to SCAD deserves specific considerations. Our case series illustrates the importance of prompt resuscitation manoeuvres and early defibrillation. We propose a flow chart of management of cardiac arrest in patient with suspect of SCAD (Figure 2 A). Evaluating risk of SCAD recurrence and sudden cardiac death. The management of SCAD patients complicated by malignant ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest is challenging. Looking at published registries, it appears that SCAD patients are more likely to suffer from ventricular arrythmia or sudden cardiac death than non–SCAD MI patients. The risk–benefit ratio of ICD implantation in these patients remain uncertain . Evaluation of scar burden with CMR can help stratify the global arrhythmic risk, especially as extensive myocardial scar with a residual impaired LVEF increases the risk of future arrhythmic events (Figure 2 B). In our series, only one patient underwent S–ICD implantation, and the decision was mainly driven by the finding of underlying arteriopathy affecting other vascular territories, suggesting a potentially higher rate of SCAD recurrence. For this particular subset of patients, we propose an algorithm that combines predisposing factors and myocardial injury quantification data (Figure 2 B) that could be useful for the estimate of the risk of malignant arrythmias, as well as the risk of recurrence of SCAD, but needs to be validated in larger case studies. Conclusions The acute management of cardiac arrest related to SCAD deserves specific consideration. The residual myocardial damage, predisposing and precipitants factors should be evaluated in order to estimate the SCAD recurrence and sudden cardiac death risks.

Risk of sudden cardiac death in a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting with thyroid storm.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a spontaneous separation of the coronary artery wall whose etiology appears to be poorly understood. SCAD is a rare cause of acute coronary syndromes, and it is a life-threatening condition. We report the case of a young woman who developed SCAD during a thyroid storm (TS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SCAD during a TS, and it suggests a possible association between high levels of circulating thyroid hormones and SCAD susceptibility. Early identification of SCAD predisposing factors is important to identify high-risk patients. In patients presenting to the emergency department because of chest pain with a history of dysthyroidism, early determination of thyroid hormones and troponin could prevent certain forms of sudden cardiac death.

TCTAP C-001 "The Squid Game'- IVUS Guided Angioplasty in a Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting With Ventricular Tachycardia Post-COVID-19 Infection

TCTAP C-001 "The Squid Game'- IVUS Guided Angioplasty in a Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting With Ventricular Tachycardia Post-COVID-19 Infection

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting as massive brain stroke: Happy landing with percutaneous coronary intervention

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting as massive brain stroke: Happy landing with percutaneous coronary intervention

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in a Patient with Ventricular Fibrillation due to Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Case Report

We present here the case of a 43-year-old female without any known past medical history who was brought into the emergency department (ED) by the emergency medical services (EMS) after receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the field. Per EMS, on arrival patient was found to be on ventricular fibrillation and was shocked 3 times. Patient had no past medical history. In the ED, EKG showed sinus rhythm and troponin was 23 which is slightly high compared to upper limit. Patient was taken to the cath lab immediately which showed small to medium caliber septal 1 branch severe mid segment disease with distal tapering suggestive of spontaneous coronary artery dissection. No stent was placed. Electrophysiology was consulted and an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator was placed. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a phenomenon where an epicardial coronary artery dissection occurs that is not related to atherosclerosis, trauma or iatrogenia. Patients with SCAD presenting with ventricular arrhythmias are not very common. In a Canadian registry analyzing 1056 patients with SCAD, only 84 of them presented with ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) and only 8 underwent ICD placement. They followed up the patients for 5 years and 8 patients suffered VT/VF. 5 of those 8 patients had VT/VF on initial SCAD presentation, and only 1 of them had undergone ICD insertion. There are no specific guidelines regarding ICD placement on patients with coronary artery dissection, but the AHA/ACC/HRS guidelines can help us make decisions. Our case underscores the importance of more prospective or retrospective studies to identify those patients with SCAD who would benefit from ICD placement for secondary prevention. The current guidelines for ventricular arrhythmias are an excellent tool for the electrophysiologist regarding the management of these arrhythmias in other specific scenarios but guidance on SCAD is still lacking.