A 'parachute effect' mockingly sealing a spontaneous coronary artery dissection: what we have learnt from intravascular imaging

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is often underdiagnosed. It accounts for a certain amount of acute coronary syndromes. Intravascular imaging, either intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography, represents a relevant ally for interventional cardiologist. Here we report an intriguing case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection not immediately diagnosed due to the explained parachute effect, managed invasively according to an algorithm previously published, with a good long-term outcome.

Keywords: acute coronary syndromes; endovascular imaging; optical coherence tomography; percutaneous coronary interventions; spontaneous coronary artery dissection.