Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rarely occurs during pregnancy and presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Traditionally, pregnancy has not readily been considered a risk factor for AMI in the emergency department despite the potential for adverse impacts on maternal and fetal health. As cardiovascular risk factors and advanced maternal age become more prevalent in society over time, the incidence will continue to increase. Prior cases with singular gestation have been reported; however, only one previous case during a twin pregnancy was identified in the medical literature.

Case Report: We describe a rare case of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in a 37-year-old woman at 24 weeks gestation with a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy.

Conclusion: It is important for the emergency physician to recognize acute coronary syndrome as a part of the differential diagnosis of chest pain in pregnant patients and be familiar with the diagnostic and management options available for this special population.