Case report: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection during elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia

Abstract

A 37-year-old woman, otherwise healthy, had an acute myocardial infarction associated with acute left ventricular failure during an elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Emergency coronary catheterisation postoperatively revealed a probable dissection distally in the D1 branch of the left anterior descending artery. We review the recent literature and case reports on spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and discuss its recommended management. © 2011 The Authors. Anaesthesia © 2011 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.