Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare but well-recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome, especially important in women. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the fundamental diagnostic technique for the confirmation of SCAD. Knowing the angiographic patterns suggestive of SCAD is essential for the correct identification of patients with this entity.
Areas covered: In this narrative review, the main angiographic characteristics of SCAD lesions as detected by ICA are presented and discussed.
Expert opinion: In addition to the specific angiographic classification of SCAD, several authors have described complementary angiographic patterns suggestive of SCAD. Knowledge and correct identification of these angiographic patterns is essential for the correct diagnosis of patients with clinical suspicion of SCAD.
Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; coronary angiography; coronary artery disease; intramural hematoma; spontaneous coronary artery dissection.