ESC
EAPCI Summit 2026: New data highlight coronary artery dissection as frequent cause of MI in younger women
The Serbian Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Registry analyzed 123 patients across 14 centers from 2021 to 2024, most of whom were women (mean age, 47.5 years). ST‑segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was the most frequent presentation, and mental stress was the most commonly reported precipitating factor. Over half of patients were treated medically, while 41.5% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, with stent placement in 28.5%. In‑hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 29 patients, and 30‑day MACE occurred in 18%. Stent implantation, female sex, and depression were independent predictors of 30‑day MACE, while one‑year events were uncommon. Results were presented at the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) 2026 Summit in Munich.
Clinical takeaway: Maintain a high index of suspicion for spontaneous coronary artery dissection in younger women presenting with acute coronary symptoms—especially those without traditional risk factors—and consider early use of intracoronary imaging to support accurate diagnosis and guide management.
Source:
Apostolovic S, et al. (2026, February 20). ESC. Breaking stereotypes: baseline features, treatment strategies, and 12-month outcomes in SCAD AMI patients: findings from the Serbian SCAD registry (SR SCAD). Presented at the EAPCI Summit 2026 in Munich, Germany. https://esc365.escardio.org/EAPCI-Summit/sessions/18077-contemporary-pci-strategies-in-acute-coronary-syndromes-from-diagnosis-to-optimisation