Unstable Angina Due to Spontaneous Coronary-Artery Dissection.

This article discusses unstable angina caused by spontaneous coronary-artery dissection, and makes reference to a medical case wherein a 61-year-old woman was diagnosed with unstable angina. It is stated that the mechanism of spontaneous coronary-artery dissection, a rare cause of unstable angina, is unclear, but predisposing factors include inborn errors of metabolism and collagen synthesis. The patient was presented with a one-hour history of chest pain suggestive of myocardial infarction. Unstable angina was diagnosed, and treatment with aspirin, beta-blockers, and intravenous heparin and nitrates was begun. It is informed that the dissection was successfully treated by direct coronary stenting.