Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Barbara M. Murphy, Michelle C. Rogerson, Stephanie Hesselson, Siiri E. Iismaa, Robert M. Graham, Alun C. Jackson
Summary: This study investigated the psychosocial impacts of SCAD in Australian SCAD survivors using a qualitative approach. The findings revealed the complex, inter-related, and highly distressing impacts of SCAD in terms of lack of information, emotional impacts, issues with self-management, issues with family, impacts on work life, and the need for psychosocial support.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicole Pristera, Pulkit Chaudhury, Erik H. Van Iterson, Leslie S. Cho
Summary: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an acute noniatrogenic tear in the coronary arterial wall, leading to disruption of coronary blood flow and myo-cardial infarction. It is now recognized as a common cause of acute coronary syndrome, particularly in young women. Despite growing awareness of this disease, there is a paucity of data on acute and long-term therapy.
CLEVELAND CLINIC JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rasha Kaddoura, Fathima Aaysha Cader, Ashraf Ahmed, Mirvat Alasnag
Summary: The prevalence of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has increased in young adults presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Although diagnostic tools have improved, prognosis and overall outcomes remain poor. More women are affected by SCAD, and it is underdiagnosed in many parts of the world, making it a persistent clinical challenge. Supportive treatment is the main management approach, with limited and controversial role for percutaneous or surgical interventions.
POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Gordana Krljanac, Svetlana Apostolovic, Zlatko Mehmedbegovic, Olga Nedeljkovic-Arsenovic, Ruzica Maksimovic, Ivan Ilic, Aleksandra Djokovic, Lidija Savic, Ratko Lasica, Milika Asanin
Summary: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a possible cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden cardiac death. The clinical presentation of SCAD can vary, but the most common symptom is elevated cardiac biomarkers accompanied by chest discomfort. SCAD has a different pathological etiology compared to Type 1 AMI, affecting the size of the infarct. Management of SCAD typically begins in the catheterization laboratory, where a diagnosis is established and appropriate treatment is initiated. Additional imaging methods may be necessary for a fast and accurate management process.
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Heather Tulloch, Karen Bouchard, Jane Brownrigg, Thais Coutinho
Summary: It is uncertain whether SCAD patients experience similar distress or derive the same psychological benefits from participating in CR as MI patients. This case-control study found that the proportion of SCAD patients reporting elevated anxiety was twice that of non-SCAD patients; CR did not lead to significant improvements in anxiety. Depression scores were similar between groups, and improvement was observed with CR participation. Targeted anxiety-based interventions may be necessary to enhance CR benefits and patient recovery.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Karen Bouchard, Thais Coutinho, Jennifer Reed, Kathleen Lalande, Chowdhury Nishwara Tarannum, Derek So, Jacqueline Saw, Sharon Mulvagh, Heather Tulloch
Summary: SCAD patients experience challenges in navigating disease uncertainty, living with anxiety, and reconciling pre and post-SCAD identities, while also expressing the need for more psychological support. Family dynamics play a key role in recovery, highlighting the importance of tailored programs and further research on optimal secondary preventative care for this population.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Gemma Marrazzo, Stefano Palermi, Fabio Pastore, Massimo Ragni, Mariarosaria De Luca, Michele Gambardella, Gaetano Quaranta, Giancarlo Messalli, Lucia Riegler, Valeria Pergola, Andrea Manto, Antonello D'Andrea
Summary: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is the spontaneous separation of the vessel wall layers caused by intramural hemorrhage. It commonly occurs in middle-aged women with few traditional cardiovascular risk factors, often associated with pregnancy. SCAD presents as acute coronary syndrome with symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, or palpitations. Diagnosis is mainly done through coronary angiography, but additional imaging techniques like intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography may be needed in uncertain cases. This paper aims to review the current understanding of SCAD, including its demographics, clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes, with a focus on diagnostic algorithms and multimodality imaging techniques.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Seyedeh Maryam Zekavat, Elizabeth L. Chou, Melica Zekavat, Akhil Pampana, Kaavya Paruchuri, Christian Lacks Lino Cardenas, Satoshi Koyama, Yousef Ghazzawi, Erina Kii, Md Mesbah Uddin, James Pirruccello, Hongyu Zhao, Malissa Wood, Pradeep Natarajan, Mark E. Lindsay
Summary: Whole-exome sequencing identified rare disruptive variants in collagen genes in individuals with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). These findings suggest a role of extracellular matrix dysfunction in the development of SCAD.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Stefania Angela Di Fusco, Roberta Rossini, Filippo Zilio, Luigi Pollarolo, Fortunato Scotto di Uccio, Annamaria Iorio, Fabiana Luca, Michele Massimo Gulizia, Domenico Gabrielli, Furio Colivicchi
Summary: The increasing use of imaging examinations has led to an increased detection of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) as a non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This article aims to provide an updated knowledge of the pathophysiology of SCAD, discussing common conditions associated with SCAD, predisposing factors, triggers, and potential mechanisms leading to its development. It also summarizes the main genetic research findings that have contributed to a better understanding of SCAD pathophysiology and provides practical considerations in SCAD management based on pathophysiological insights.
TRENDS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Chayakrit Krittanawong, Michael J. Attubato, Lori Vales Lay
Summary: A woman in her early 40s, who was 11 weeks postpartum, experienced acute pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea that started several hours after arriving on a flight.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Marcos Garcia-Guimaraes, Monica Masotti, Ricardo Sanz-Ruiz, Fernando Macaya, Gerard Roura, Juan Manuel Nogales, Helena Tizon-Marcos, Maite Velazquez-Martin, Gabriela Veiga, Xacobe Flores-Rios, Omar Abdul-Jawad Altisent, Marcelo Jimenez-Kockar, Santiago Camacho-Freire, Jose Moreu, Soledad Ojeda, Sandra Santos-Martinez, Ancor Sanz-Garcia, David Del Val, Teresa Bastante, Fernando Alfonso
Summary: This study conducted a nationwide follow-up of a cohort of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and found that the prognosis was generally favorable, with reinfarctions and unplanned revascularizations being the main adverse events. History of hypothyroidism, proximal vessel involvement, type 2 intramural hematoma (IMH), and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) at discharge were identified as independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Aleksandra Djokovic, Gordana Krljanac, Predrag Matic, Rastko Zivic, Vuk Djulejic, Marija Marjanovic Haljilji, Dusan Popovic, Branka Filipovic, Svetlana Apostolovic
Summary: This review provides contemporary knowledge of the pathophysiology of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and possible therapeutic solutions, discussing the prevalence, etiology, and challenges in treatment of SCAD.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Anthony Matta, Laszlo Levai, Meyer Elbaz, Vanessa Nader, Francisco Campelo Parada, Didier Carrie, Jerome Roncalli
Summary: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a condition characterized by sudden rupture of the coronary artery wall, leading to the formation of a false lumen and intramural hematoma. It primarily affects young and middle-aged women without typical cardiovascular risk factors. Fibromuscular dysplasia and pregnancy are strongly associated with SCAD. Two hypotheses, the inside-out and outside-in, have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of SCAD. Coronary angiography is the gold standard diagnostic test, and intracoronary imaging modalities may be used in cases with ambiguous diagnosis or to guide treatment. Treatment options for SCAD include conservative management, coronary revascularization strategies (such as percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft), and long-term follow-up. The prognosis for SCAD patients is generally favorable, with spontaneous healing observed in a significant proportion of cases.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Anum Aslam, Jadranka Stojanovska, Usman S. Khokhar, Richard L. Weinberg, Santhi K. Ganesh, Troy Labounty, Nadia R. Sutton, Smita Patel
Summary: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a nonatherosclerotic cause of myocardial infarction in young and middle-aged women, and its diagnosis can be challenging. In addition to invasive coronary angiography, CT technology can be utilized for diagnosing SCAD, although no established criteria for diagnosis with coronary CT angiography (CCTA) currently exist. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the management of SCAD.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Fernando Alfonso, Cristina Fernandez-Perez, Nayade del Prado, Marcos Garcia-Guimaraes, Jose Luis Bernal, Teresa Bastante, David del Val, Nicolas Rosillo, Javier Elola
Summary: This study compared in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates between patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and patients with STEMI without SCAD undergoing PPCI. The results showed that PPCI, when indicated in patients with STEMI and SCAD, has similar in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates compared with PPCI for atherothrombotic STEMI. These findings support the value of PPCI in selected patients with SCAD.
JACC-CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jose E. Exaire, Timothy A. Mixon
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Giuseppe Di Gioia, Federica Coletti, Lorenzo Buzzelli, Viviana Maestrini, Sara Monosilio, Andrea Segreti, Maria Rosaria Squeo, Erika Lemme, Antonio Nenna, Antonio Pelliccia
Summary: Dyslipidemia is common in Paralympic athletes, with lipid levels influenced by the type of disability and sporting discipline.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Esra Donmez, Sevgi Ozcan, Irfan Sahin, Murat Ziyrek, Ertugrul Okuyan
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the GRACE risk score in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients for 30-day mortality and the need for thrombolytic treatment. The study found that the GRACE risk score, along with the PESI score, were independent risk factors associated with 30-day mortality and the need for thrombolytic treatment. The GRACE risk score showed high sensitivity and specificity in predicting mortality, and its combination with the PESI score helped define high-risk PE patients and predict poor prognosis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tom Kai Ming Wang, Reza Reyaldeen, Kevser Akyuz, Zoran B. Popovic, A. Marc Gillinov, Bo Xu, Brian P. Griffin, Milind Y. Desai
Summary: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is commonly used to evaluate isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR), but there is limited research comparing its quantification with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, a novel TTE algorithm was developed to identify severe TR based on TTE parameters. The algorithm had a higher accuracy than the current guidelines' criteria in detecting severe TR by MRI.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Enkhtsogt Sainbayar, Ramzi Ibrahim, Hoang Nhat Pham, Wisam Beauti, Mahek Shahid, Natalie Hickerson, Mohammed Salih, Joao Paulo Ferreira, Mamas A. Mamas
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Richard E. Casazza, Hymie Chera, Carlos Adolfo Rodriguez, Sergey Ayzenberg
Summary: This article presents a case of a patient with known situs inversus who underwent cardiac catheterization and was found to have chronic total occlusion in the right coronary artery. Situs inversus is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by the inverted position of chest and abdominal organs. Cardiac catheterization is uncommon in patients with this particular abnormality, highlighting the importance of customizing techniques to engage coronary arteries and optimize guide support for percutaneous coronary intervention if needed.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Georgiana Pintea Bentea, Brahim Berdaoui, Sophie Samyn, Marielle Morissens, Philippe van de Borne, Jose Castro Rodriguez
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Bulbul Ahmed, Melissa G. Farb, Shakun Karki, Sophia D'Alessandro, Niloo M. Edwards, Noyan Gokce
Summary: This study evaluated the angiogenic capacity of adipose tissue in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries and found that patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) had reduced angiogenic capacity in their pericardial adipose tissue. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulated expression of the anti-angiogenic gene TSP-1 in CAD patients, with no significant differences in other angiogenic factors. Additionally, inhibiting TSP-1 expression significantly improved angiogenic deficiency in CAD patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Moshe Rav-Acha, Orli Wube, Oholi Tovia Brodie, Yoav Michowitz, Michael Ilan, Tal Ovdat, Robert Klempfner, Mahmud Suleiman, Ilan Goldenberg, Michael Glikson
Summary: The current guidelines recommend prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) and low left ventricular ejection fraction. However, not all patients will benefit from ICD treatment. This study evaluated the feasibility of using the MADIT-II-based Risk Stratification Score (MRSS) to predict the survival benefit of prophylactic ICDs in patients with HF. The results showed that different risk subgroups had varying levels of ICD survival benefit.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ariel Banai, Rachel Retsky, Lior Lupu, Erez Levi, David Zahler, Omri Feder, Roei Merin, Yan Topilsky, Raphael Rosso, Shmuel Banai, Sami Viskin, Ehud Chorin
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the association between electromechanical window (EMW) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The study found that TTS patients had a lower EMW value, which was associated with an increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Harun Kundi, Kobina Hagan, Tamer Yahya, Garima Sharma, Sadeer Al-Kindi, Zulqarnain Javed, Khurram Nasir
Summary: Using latent class analysis (LCA), the study identified clinical, demographic, and social subphenotypes in ASCVD population and assessed the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality across different socioclinical classes. The results showed that the younger, female, non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic individuals with a high burden of co-morbidities and unfavorable social determinants of health had the highest risk of mortality in the identified latent classes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Moises A. Vasquez, Mina Iskander, Mohammed Mustafa, Juan A. Quintero-Martinez, Antonio Luna, Joel Mintz, Jose Noy, Juan Uribe, Ivan Mijares, Eduardo de Marchena, Yiannis S. Chatzizisis
Summary: The benefits of pericardiocentesis (PC) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pericardial effusions are unclear. The study found that PC in PH patients is associated with higher in-hospital mortality and rates of cardiovascular complications.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ken Kuwajima, Mana Ogawa, Irving Ruiz, Hiroko Hasegawa, Nobuichiro Yagi, Florian Rader, Robert J. Siegel, Takahiro Shiota
Summary: After cardiac surgery, the longitudinal function of the right ventricle and left ventricle is reduced, despite preserved global functions. In particular, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) remains decreased after surgery.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Min -Jung Kim, Robert H. Aseltine Jr, Sara R. Tabtabai
Summary: This study evaluated the rates and causes of 30-day readmissions after discharge for heart failure (HF) as a primary and secondary diagnosis. The findings indicate that efforts to reduce readmission rates should include patients with secondary HF diagnosis, and surveillance should extend to 2 weeks postdischarge to identify at-risk patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ya He, Jianzhong Zhou
Summary: This study aimed to examine the relation between reverse septal curvature (RSC) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The study found that patients with RSC were younger and had a higher incidence of NSVT, and RSC was identified as a strong independent risk factor for NSVT.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2024)