Clinical Trials

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a relatively rare and poorly understood condition that has been reported to affect more women than men. The coronary arteries consist of three layers, and dissection occurs when two of these layers separate, enabling blood to flow into the space between the layers. As the blood accumulates, this can cause obstruction to normal blood flow within the heart, leading to chest pain, heart attack and even sudden death.

     The medical community has much to learn about treatment and prevention of this potentially fatal cardiovascular event. Mayo Clinic is conducting two new studies of SCAD. This study consists of building a database/registry of patients with SCAD (whether they have been patients at Mayo Clinic or not) to identify patterns of SCAD incidence, causes and associations that could guide future research. With participant consent, Mayo Clinic staff will request a copy of the original coronary angiogram when SCAD was diagnosed to confirm the diagnosis and determine eligibility. If eligible, study coordinators will contact the participant to provide more information about the studies and request a signed informed consent document.

Study question: Do mutations within certain genes cause or confer susceptibility to spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)? Specific aims: 1. Create a genomic DNA and plasma biobank for individuals diagnosed with SCAD. 2. Identify inherited and de novo/new mutations that underlie SCAD. Long term objective:Discover molecular and cellular mechanisms of SCAD and develop biomarkers to enable prediction and prevention. The purpose of the research is to identify mutations (defects in the genetic blueprint) that cause tears in blood vessels that supply the heart. Some mutations may be inherited (passed on) from a parent without an apparent blood vessel problem while others may develop for the first time in the affected person. The study includes individuals diagnosed with spontaneous coronary artery dissection and their biological parents. Adults with SCAD will be identified both retrospectively and prospectively.Confirmation of the diagnosis by review of coronary angiography will be required before proceeding with the informed consent process and blood sample procurement.