Simultaneous Occurrence of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Embolic Stroke

Abstract

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is rare. Further, concurrent ACS with a cerebrovascular accident is improbable, but possible. We report a case of a young man, with a history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy ten years ago, presented with acute coronary syndrome caused by an extensive dissection of the right coronary artery, together with acute ischemic stroke. Survivors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications due to radiation, which can expedite atherosclerosis and can, eventually, give rise to dissection and cerebrovascular disease, as exemplified in our case. This case report and review outlines the incidence, epidemiology, causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Our case report is a remainder to clinicians to be mindful of concomitant occurrence of these two conditions and highlights the significant impact the treatment of each has on the other, especially when the literature does not have clear recommendations about simultaneous management. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection with concomitant ischemic cerebrovascular stroke poses a therapeutic dilemma and requires a multi-disciplinary team to appropriately manage the patient. q