A tale of two SCADs: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection series

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a relatively rare condition, occurs when a tear is present in the coronary artery walls, slowing the flow of blood due to potential clotting. Most patients show symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath; however, SCAD is seen mostly in relatively young and healthy women with minimal past medical history. Within this report, we present two female SCAD patients and the etiology of a SCAD case, including a complicated diagnosis and treatment. We describe a 33-year-old woman and a 40-year-old woman both presenting to the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiogram was done and coronary artery angiography was performed on both patients, demonstrating a SCAD. Both patients were treated with aspirin, bet-blockers, and statin to relieve associated symptoms and accordingly discharged.

Key words: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Female, intramural hematoma