Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Young Adult Woman: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important but frequently overlooked cause of acute coronary syndrome, particularly in young and middle-aged women.

Case: A 38-year-old woman with no known cardiovascular risk factors presented with chest pain that began after intense physical exertion. Electrocardiography showed ST-segment depression in the anterior leads, and high-sensitivity troponin I was elevated. Coronary angiography revealed a long, smooth narrowing in the mid segment of the left anterior descending artery (type 2 SCAD). Conservative treatment was chosen for this haemodynamically stable patient. Coronary computed tomography angiography at three months showed that the vessel lumen had largely returned to normal.

Conclusion: SCAD should be considered in young women without risk factors who present with acute coronary syndrome. Careful interpretation of angiographic findings may prevent unnecessary interventions.