Coronary artery dissection is a medical condition characterized by a separation or tear in the walls of the coronary arteries, one of three types of major blood vessels in the body. The primary function of the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is to supply blood to different areas of the heart. A separation or tear in the artery wall may cause an accumulation of blood between the layers of the artery wall. Damaged heart muscle and arrhythmia may occur from the blockage or reduced blood flow to the heart. This condition may potentially cause sudden cardiac death if treatment is not sought promptly.

Coronary artery dissection secondary to non-penetrating trauma in motor vehicle collisions is a rare but life-threatening occurrence. If you were injured in a recent accident, call our experienced California personal injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

With decades of combined experience, our legal team is committed to successful case results and advocating for those we represent. If you are searching for an experienced, dedicated, and compassionate personal injury lawyer in California for your traumatic coronary artery dissection case, look no further than AutoAccident.com. You can trust our accident attorneys to provide skilled legal representation and work diligently to obtain the full financial compensation you deserve. Contact our law office today to arrange a free consultation with a member of our team. We can review your accident case anytime and proudly offer multilingual services.

Coronary artery dissection may be attributed to specific factors like procedures that involve the coronary arteries, connective tissue disorders, and trauma. Conversely, the condition may occur spontaneously. A coronary artery dissection may be considered spontaneous (SCAD) only if secondary causes are excluded. Aside from spontaneous, the condition may be iatrogenic or traumatic. While infrequent, catheter-induced coronary artery dissection (CICAD) may be a severe complication of percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary angiography.

The underlying mechanisms of traumatic coronary artery dissection cases differ from those of SCAD. While the mechanism of SCAD is not fully understood, case studies have reported intramural hematoma (IMH). This is described as with or without intimal tears, and IMH was demonstrated between the layers of the epicardial artery in patients presenting with SCAD. These characteristics distinguish this condition from other causes, like trauma and atherosclerosis. In the case of traumatic coronary artery dissection, mechanisms leading to this condition may include intimal rupture or tear and vascular spasm.

Blunt force trauma to the chest is the leading cause of traumatic coronary artery dissection, causing severe injury to the great vessels, chest wall, and heart. Blunt chest trauma may damage the coronary arteries, endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. While coronary artery dissection cases are rare, they may occur and have life-threatening consequences.

Coronary artery dissection secondary to non-penetrating trauma is often attributed to traffic collisions. It may be caused by direct impact with fixed objects like steering wheels or traction and rapid deceleration. Aside from crashes, traumatic coronary artery dissection may also occur from attacks with large animals, workplace accidents, particularly in the farming industry, sports-related injuries, and when there is a sudden impact or severe crush on the chest.

The most common spontaneous coronary artery dissection presentation is nausea related to elevated cardiac enzymes, diaphoresis, dyspnea, syncope, and shoulder or chest pain. Patients with SCAD often present with signs and symptoms characterized by acute myocardial infarction. Case studies have reported a small percentage of patients presenting with resuscitated ventricular arrhythmias, with three to 14 percent. Patients presenting with these symptoms should be evaluated with an electrocardiogram, troponin test, and echocardiogram to rule out this type of condition.

In the case of traumatic coronary artery dissection, case studies have shown that patients have described dyspnea and chest pain. Others reported symptoms similar to angina in the days and weeks following the injury in the absence of myocardial dysfunction or injury. Management of traumatic coronary artery dissection is generally individualized. However, treatment of this condition may benefit from the clinical findings in cases on the short-term and long-term management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

There is limited data from clinical trials and evidence for the optimal management of coronary artery dissection. As such, treatment is focused on the extent of coronary flow compromise and clinical presentation. The preferred approach for most cases is conservative management. Long-term beta-blocker therapy and aspirin are often considered in coronary artery dissection cases when there is angina, hypertension, or left ventricular dysfunction. Anti-coagulant therapy, such as heparin or warfarin, is typically not indicated in SCAD cases due to dissection expansion or extension risk.

Studies have suggested that most cases of traumatic coronary artery dissection occur in the male population, whereas over 90 percent of SCAD cases occur in their female counterparts. SCAD cases often occur in pre-menopausal women with risk factors such as fibromuscular dysplasia and pregnancy. Other risk factors may include exertion, severe emotional stress, and young age. Reports have noted that this condition presents a significant risk for recurrence.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is often underestimated, misdiagnosed, and infrequent. However, it may have severe consequences of myocardial ischemia, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. An accurate diagnosis is essential for immediate management, favorable outcomes, and the avoidance of iatrogenic harm in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection or traumatic coronary artery dissection.

While cardiac trauma from a motor vehicle collision or another type of accident is rare, it may be life-threatening. If another person or entity is to blame for the incident and the resulting injuries, an injured individual may seek reimbursement for medical bills, wage loss, and other damages in a bodily injury claim. This is generally filed against the negligent party and their insurance company. A strict deadline applies to personal injury cases in California. Most are subject to a two-year statute of limitations established by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Exceptions may apply.

Given the potential for staggering medical costs for blunt cardiac injuries, such as those leading to traumatic coronary artery dissections, it is essential to review all potential sources of financial recovery. For instance, if the at-fault party has limited liability coverage, a claimant may have recourse if they have underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). UIM is useful because it provides an injured party with financial protection if the other side has insufficient liability coverage to pay for injuries and damages from an accident.

Not all drivers are responsible and carry liability insurance for their motor vehicles. Data from the Insurance Information Institute (III) suggests that approximately 16.6 percent of drivers in California were uninsured in 2019. That is why carrying UM and UIM up to the limits you can afford is recommended. Our legal team at AutoAccident.com suggests carrying at least $100,000/$300,000 through your auto insurance company. If you are injured in a crash caused by someone else with no insurance, you will have at least $100,000 available to you in your situation.

There are many benefits to retaining legal counsel for a personal injury case. For example, an experienced and knowledgeable California accident lawyer will:

• Work on Contingency: Most California personal injury lawyers, like ours from AutoAccident.com, take cases under a contingency fee agreement. This means that the client does not owe anything unless a successful result is obtained through a verdict or settlement on their behalf.
• Investigate the Accident: An attorney will investigate the incident in-depth to uncover evidence and establish liability. The lawyer may also work with expert witnesses to reconstruct the accident and prove the extent of injuries and damages.
• Seek Full Compensation: Insurers often reach out to injured parties immediately following accidents to settle bodily injury claims for far less than they may be worth. That is why it is helpful to have an attorney handling your case. Your lawyer will negotiate a favorable settlement agreement on your behalf.
• Take the Case to Court: A mutual settlement agreement may not be reached for a personal injury case. Filing a lawsuit in civil court may be necessary to proceed with litigation and to protect the statute of limitations applicable to the case. Your injury lawyer will handle this for you.

Learn how our legal team at AutoAccident.com can help you with your traumatic coronary artery dissection case by watching this video or setting up a free consultation today.

Cardiac trauma occurring secondary to non-penetrating injuries is rare but life-threatening. Contact a skilled and knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer from AutoAccident.com if you suffered cardiac trauma in an accident. Our experienced legal team is available to review your traumatic coronary artery dissection case in detail and provide free, friendly advice when you dial (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

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