Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: value of beating heart myocardial revascularization.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare and generally fatal disease. It usually occurs in women during the post-partum period or women taking oral contraceptives. Treatment depends on the clinical presentation and the results of coronary angiography. Beating heart myocardial revascularization is particularly useful in this case, as it allows coronary artery bypass graft to be performed without manipulating the ascending aorta, thereby minimizing the risk of post-CPB aortic dissection, and without important modification of arterial pressure.