What is coronary dissection?

What is coronary dissection?

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection — sometimes referred to as SCAD — is an uncommon emergency condition that occurs when a tear forms in a blood vessel in the heart. SCAD can slow or block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack, abnormalities in heart rhythm or sudden death.

How does coronary artery dissection occur?

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) happens when layers in the artery wall tear apart without warning, and partially or completely block blood flow to the heart. This condition typically presents as a heart attack and is often misdiagnosed.

What is an artery dissection?

Arterial dissection refers to the abnormal, and usually abrupt, formation of a tear along the inside wall of an artery.

What is Type 3 SCAD?

Type 3 SCAD is rare and mimics atherosclerosis Ò there is focal or tubular stenosis (<20 mm) but no atherosclerosis in the other coronary arteries. Intracoronary imaging is usually required to confirm Type 3 SCAD.

What is the survival rate for SCAD?

Initial reviews of SCAD reported a mortality rate of 70% (11). More recently, the outcome of SCAD has been reported to be more favourable (6,12), with one review suggesting a survival rate of 82% (8). Our patient’s outcome has been remarkably good.

What is the survival rate of SCAD?

How serious is artery dissection?

Arterial dissections happen when the inside wall of your artery tears. Blood gets in the tear and separates the layers of the artery wall. This dissection creates a weak spot that can lead to a life-threatening leak.

How do I recover from SCAD?

The goal of treatment for SCAD is to restore blood flow to your heart. Sometimes, this healing will occur naturally. In others, doctors may have to restore blood flow by opening the artery with a balloon or stent. Bypass surgery may also be used.