Exercise-induced coronary artery dissection in a 54-year-old male without atherosclerosis: A case report

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an unusual cause of chest pain most often presenting in peripartum or postpartum women. The SCAD precipitated by exercise in patients without underlying atherosclerosis is very rare and has been described in literature only on a few occasions. It has never been described in a male above the age of 40. Case Report: We present the case of a 54-year-old male presented with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction having suffered a left anterior descending artery dissection following an intense gym workout. He was successfully managed with coronary stenting. The patient suffered from on-going chest pain after initial recovery and was investigated with CT coronary angiography to assess stent patency and for evidence of underlying coronary artery disease. This showed a calcium score of 0 and no evidence of underlying atherosclerosis with a patent stent. Conclusion: In conclusion, SCAD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, even those without coronary risk factors.