Myocardial infarction results from obstruction of the coronary arteries, which is most often secondary to the progression of atherosclerotic disease with rupture of the atheromatous plaques formed. In some cases, myocardial infarction is not secondary to the progression of atherosclerotic disease, but it is rather due to coronary artery stenosis following dissection of the artery wall and this, in a population without significant cardiovascular risk factors.
This article illustrates, based on three cases managed in our institution, the presentation and current state of knowledge pertaining to an atypical cause of myocardial infarction, namely the spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
What is already known about the topic?
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an under-diagnosed cause of myocardial infarction affecting mainly a young and female population with low cardiovascular risk factors.
What does this article bring up for us?
This article summarizes the current knowledge concerning spontaneous coronary artery dissection and aims to raise awareness of this little-known condition.
Key Words
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection, myocardial infarction, clinical case