Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: An uncommon cause of cardiac arrest in the young

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a cause of acute coronary syndrome that frequently goes undiagnosed due to its rarity and variable presentation. Additionally, patients with SCAD are frequently young and relatively healthy; factors that may inadvertently lower clinical suspicion of serious pathology, thereby causing delayed or missed diagnosis and inadequate management. Our case report describes a young female who presents after cardiac arrest with inconclusive initial labs and diagnostic tests who was ultimately diagnosed with SCAD. Additionally, we briefly review the pathogenesis and risk factors, as well as the diagnostic and management recommendations for SCAD.