Post-partum spontaneous coronary artery dissection refractory to conservative management

Abstract

This case report describes a 31-year-old female who was diagnosed with a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) of her left anterior descending artery during the post-partum period. She failed nonoperative management and was found to have extensive propagation of the dissected vessel upon experiencing recurrent chest pain. She ultimately underwent coronary artery bypass grafting which restored perfusion and cardiac while motion. A brief discussion of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of SCAD follows.

Cardiovascular adverse events in pregnancy: A global perspective

“…The incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women of childbearing age is unclear and varies between countries. 81,82 CAD, is a major cause of maternal death and accounts for over 20% of maternal cardiac deaths, 83 especially in the form of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). 84 The estimated incidence of 6.2 per 100,000 deliveries [85][86][87][88] nearly 4 times higher than in non-pregnant women 89 and reflects the growing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the pregnant population.…”