Improvement of symptoms and coronary perfusion gradient with mechanical left ventricular unloading in flow-limiting complex spontaneous coronary artery dissection, without revascularization

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) can lead to acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death, particularly in young women. Observational data show that, in SCAD patients, both percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting seem to be hampered by higher technical complexity, lower success rates, and worse outcomes. As spontaneous healing is a common occurrence, expert consensus advices medical management of the acute phase, when feasible. We present the case of a young woman with SCAD of left anterior descending artery causing myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation. High-anatomical complexity and unstable conditions of the patient made both medical management and immediate revascularization unfeasible options. Therefore, we decided to implant a percutaneous off-loading mechanical support device to improve coronary perfusion pressure by unloading the left ventricle and preserve cardiac function, preventing worse complications of acute myocardial infarction. This strategy was successful in stabilizing the patient, until the definitive revascularization treatment became an option.