SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) Studies at Mayo Clinic

Cardiovascular

SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) Studies at Mayo Clinic

By
Lee Aase

August 17, 2011

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a relatively rare and poorly understood condition that seems 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.

Because SCAD is relatively rare, 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. One involves building a database of patients with SCAD (whether they have been patients at Mayo Clinic or not) to hopefully identify patterns that could guide future research. Another involves creating a biobank of blood samples from patients with SCAD and their close relatives, to potentially see whether genetic factors play a role in development of SCAD.

To be eligible to participate in the studies, you or a close relative need to have a confirmed diagnosis of SCAD, which is done through a coronary angiogram. If you are interested in learning more about the studies and whether you may be eligible, please contact the study coordinator at (507) 266-3180.

With your consent, Mayo Clinic staff will request a CD of your angiograms from your physician, to determine whether you qualify for the studies. If you are eligible, they will contact you and provide more information about the studies and ask you to sign an informed consent document.

Please note that the comments section below is not the place to indicate your interest in the study. If you would like more information about study participation, contact the research team - Dr. Sharonne Hayes or study coordinator Jill Boyum - call (507) 266-3180 or fax your contact information to (507) 284-5907.

Updated 11/13/2011