A case of fatal fulminant myocarditis presenting as an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and persistent ventricular tachyarrhythmia associated with influenza A (H1N1) virus in a previously healthy pregnant woman

Mel A. Ona, Daniel R. Bashari, Zubin Tharayil, Aglae Charlot, Iffath Hoskins, Michael Timoney, Shakeel Usmani, Roman Royzman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-107
Number of pages5
JournalCardiology
Volume123
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fulminant myocarditis
  • Influenza A (H1N1) virus
  • Pregnancy

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