Angiographic patterns in spontaneous coronary artery dissection: novel diagnostic insights.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is arare but well-recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome, especially importantin women. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the fundamental diagnostictechnique for the confirmation of SCAD. Knowing the angiographic patternssuggestive of SCAD is essential for the correct identification of patients withthis entity.

AREAS COVERED: In this narrative review, the main angiographic characteristics ofSCAD lesions as detected by ICA are presented and discussed.

EXPERT OPINION: In addition to the specific angiographicclassification of SCAD, several authors have described complementaryangiographic patterns suggestive of SCAD. Knowledge and correct identificationof these angiographic patterns is essential for the correct diagnosis ofpatients with clinical suspicion of SCAD.