title: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
abstract: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) should be considered as a cause of the acute coronary syndrome in young patients with few apparent risk factors for coronary artery disease, in females in the peripartum period, and in patients who are at a higher risk for this condition. SCAD can also present as sudden death and cardiogenic shock. Several mechanisms have been described in the pathophysiology of this condition. Urgent coronary angiography is indicated if SCAD is suspected. Percutaneous coronary artery stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting are the main treatment strategies.
authors.forename: Nazim Uddin Azam
authors.initials: NU
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Babb
authors.forename: Sagir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Pabitra K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.forename: Rony L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Shammas
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Macdonald
authors.forename: Assad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Movahed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D000787:Angina Pectoris; D003323:Coronary Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents