Postpartum Sudden Cardiac Death After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Patient With Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare entity that can cause acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death (SCD) which often goes unrecognized. We report a case of SCAD in a young postpartum female who presented with sudden cardiac arrest. The patient was managed medically and found to have fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). After being stabilized in the critical care unit, coronary angiography was performed which showed dissection of the left main artery, intramural hematoma, and the culprit lesion. Further investigation showed dissection of the left vertebral artery which was all consistent with a diagnosis of FMD. The patient was followed as an outpatient and a repeated coronary angiography demonstrated healed dissection site. In conclusion, this case exemplifies that prompt diagnosis along with medical management without the need of coronary artery bypass graft, and percutaneous coronary intervention can improve survival in SCAD.