Imaging of left main trauma during diagnostic cardiac catheterization with intravascular ultrasound

In this case report the occurrence of a catheter-induced coronary artery dissection is described. In our patient, angiography showed a mushroom-shaped exudate above the left main coronary artery. Intravascular ultrasound revealed a circular dissection with a huge false lumen connected to the true lumen by a small intimal tear. A brief review of the literature on catheter-induced coronary dissection is included. We believe that this case report provides a good illustration of the need for careful reviewing of indications for angiography. Although procedural risks are low, angiography remains an invasive diagnostic test with the potential to cause severe complications.