Pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction in pregnancy carries high morbidity. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is one etiology of infarction, and up to one third of cases may arise in the third trimester of pregnancy or within three months postpartum.

Case: We report two cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissection, one at 34 weeks gestation and one postpartum. Both patients were diagnosed with angiography and treated medically and one required percutaneous coronary intervention, with good obstetric outcome and return of cardiac function.

Conclusion: Myocardial infarction, and particularly spontaneous coronary artery dissection, should be in the differential diagnosis of pregnant women presenting with cardiac-type symptoms, despite perceived lack of risk factors. Angiography will aid in diagnosis, and multiple therapeutic modalities exist.