Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Introduction:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequent but increasingly recognized cause of myocardial infarction that disproportionately affects women. SCAD is influenced by hormone fluctuations, arteriopathies, and physical & emotional stressors. We present a unique case of recurrent multivessel SCAD after severe emesis following GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) use.
Case:
A 58-year-old woman with past medical history of hypertension and depression presented to an emergency room (ER) with acute chest pain after intense running and was diagnosed with single vessel SCAD of the right coronary artery on coronary angiography. She was treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 30 days and beta blockers without recurrent angina. One year later, she began taking a GLP-1RA (semaglutide 0.25 mg SQ once weekly) for weight loss, and developed extreme nausea and vomiting hours after her first dose. While retching, she experienced chest pain reminiscent of her prior SCAD episode and presented to the ER. Serial ECGs showed dynamic inferolateral ST depressions. Her initial high-sensitivity troponin I was 224 pg/mL and peaked at 15,492 pg/mL. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal function and no wall motion abnormalities. Coronary angiography revealed triple-vessel Type 2 SCAD involving the first obtuse marginal branch, distal left anterior descending artery, and posterior descending artery; each with TIMI 3 flow and not requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. Her chest pain was controlled with oral nitrates and beta blockers. She was prescribed DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel for 6 months and discharged home with recommendation for outpatient fibromuscular dysplasia screening and cardiac rehabilitation. She was cautioned to discuss with her outpatient providers prior to reinitiation of GLP-1RAs.
Discussion:
This case illustrates a unique recurrence of SCAD occurring after semaglutide-induced vomiting, supporting a potential link between intense retching and SCAD in predisposed individuals. Although GLP-1RAs are not known to directly cause SCAD, their gastrointestinal side effects may act as precipitating physical stressors. With the anticipated exponential increase in GLP-1RA use, this case underscores the importance of exercising caution when initiating therapies with emetogenic potential in patients with a history of SCAD. Further studies are needed to understand this potential risk and guide safe therapeutic practices.