Key result
Influenza A triggers fatal fulminant myocarditis mimicking STEMI in a healthy pregnant woman.
Why the study?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus has been reported as a cause of fulminant myocarditis, but fatal cases presenting as acute STEMI and ventricular tachyarrhythmia in pregnant women are rare.
Case Report (n=1)
Influenza A (H1N1) infection can cause fatal fulminant myocarditis presenting as STEMI and ventricular tachyarrhythmia in pregnant women, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination and prompt treatment in this population.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Alerts clinicians to consider H1N1 myocarditis in pregnant patients with STEMI-like presentation; extends case literature but leaves open incidence and prevention data.
Several studies have reported influenza A (H1N1) virus as a cause of fulminant myocarditis. We report the first fatal case of fulminant myocarditis presenting as an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and ventricular tachyarrhythmia associated with influenza A (H1N1) in a previously healthy pregnant woman. A 38-year-old Asian woman, gravida 3, para 1-0-1-1, presented with flu-like symptoms. Initially, she developed wide-complex tachycardia requiring several defibrillations and was later intubated. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation. Coronary angiogram was negative and a pulmonary angiogram ruled out pulmonary embolism. Fetal compromise was noted on the monitor, and the patient underwent an emergent cesarean section. She subsequently expired. Autopsy confirmed severe myocarditis. Further testing confirmed influenza A (H1N1) virus. This case of a rare, yet lethal, complication of H1N1 infection underscores the importance of increased awareness among health care professionals to provide pregnant women with vaccination and prompt treatment.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ona et al. (2012) conducted a case report in Fulminant myocarditis associated with influenza A (H1N1) (n=1). Influenza A (H1N1) infection was evaluated on Clinical outcome. Influenza A (H1N1) infection in a previously healthy pregnant woman caused fatal fulminant myocarditis presenting as acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: