H1N1 virus infection associated with acute myocardial infarction in a young patient without coronary artery disease - fi rst reported case

Abstract

Swine-origin infl uenza A (H1N1) virus was identifi ed in March of 2009 in Mexico and the United States. The virus spread rapidly, becoming pandemic by June. Previous studies examined the role of infl uenza infection in cardiovascular disease, however, we present the fi rst case of an acute myocardial infarction in a healthy patient specifi cally associated with the novel viral infection. This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment as well as vigilance on behalf of health care workers in treating patients aff ected with infl uenza A (H1N1). Consideration of this previously undescribed pathology may play a signifi cant role in the coming debates over vaccines and access.

Key Words:

• Influenza A (H1N1)
• swine flu
• ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
• public health.