Simultaneous spontaneous arterial dissections in a 38-year-old woman presenting during the covid-19 pandemic: a case report

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized and important cause of acute myocardial infarction, particularly in women under 50, often with minimal risk factors. Many patients have underlying arteriopathy, most commonly in the form of fibromuscular dysplasia. CASE SUMMARY: A 38-year-old woman presented to the hospital with chest pain and elevated high-sensitivity Troponin. Invasive coronary angiography demonstrated SCAD of the left anterior descending artery. The same day the patient developed a severe progressive headache and subsequent imaging revealed a left vertebral artery dissection. She was managed conservatively with optimal medical therapy and was successfully discharged from hospital on Day 7. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of simultaneous spontaneous coronary and vertebral artery dissections not related to pregnancy. It highlights not only the importance of recognizing and accurately diagnosing SCAD, but also of appreciating the possibility of underlying arteriopathy: this is paramount to ensuring appropriate investigations, follow-up and assessment of any unexplained symptoms in this patient group.