ST elevation myocardial infarction in a teenager: case report and review of the literature

South Med J. 2009 May;102(5):523-6. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e31819984fc.

Abstract

In the presence or absence of atherosclerosis, young adults can experience a myocardial infarction. Notably, young patients are at increased risk to be misdiagnosed since they do not frequently have traditional coronary risk factors. We describe a 19-year-old woman with chest pain and ST elevation on electrocardiogram who was initially suspected to have pericarditis. History revealed hormonal contraception and marked elevation of troponins, which later led to the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Angiography displayed an occlusion of the right coronary artery that resolved with anticoagulation treatment. She recovered uneventfully. Differential diagnoses of ST elevation and various causes of acute coronary syndromes among young patients are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adult
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / administration & dosage
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / adverse effects*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Thrombosis / chemically induced
  • Coronary Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal