Spontaneous coronary artery dissection as a cause of acute myocardial infarction in the postpartum period

Cardiol Rev. 2005 Jul-Aug;13(4):211-3. doi: 10.1097/01.crd.0000134862.82534.b3.

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary dissection is an infrequent cause of acute myocardial infarction, and several cases have been presented during the peripartum period. We present a case of acute myocardial infarction resulting from spontaneous coronary artery dissection, in a 37-year-old woman during the postpartum period. Thrombolytic treatment was administered in the emergency room uneventfully but without symptom resolution. Diagnosis was subsequently established by coronary arteriography. The patient's in-hospital and long-term clinical course and prognosis are described and the potential pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed. Finally, the treatment options for this rare entity are presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Coronary Aneurysm / complications*
  • Coronary Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / complications
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / diagnosis
  • Time Factors