# Iatrogenic Massive Coronary Artery Dissection During Cardiac Catheterization: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 59-year-old woman experienced a rare complication during a heart catheterization procedure, resulting in a severe coronary artery dissection.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but serious complication of iatrogenic coronary artery dissection during cardiac catheterization.

## Key findings

- The patient had a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and underwent left heart catheterization.
- A coronary artery dissection occurred during the catheterization procedure.
- The case emphasizes the potential risks of cardiac catheterization despite its common use.

## Abstract

Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure done for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to assess coronary artery disease (CAD) and valvular diseases. Although complications rarely occur, they are possible. Of those complications, iatrogenic coronary artery dissection during a coronary catheterization is infrequent and can be severe. This case report discusses a 59-year-old female presenting to the emergency department for sudden onset chest pain, found to have a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and underwent a left heart catheterization (LHC). During the LHC, she sustained a coronary artery dissection.