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Stroke secondary to post-partum coronary artery dissection
Cheryl Jaigobin1, Frank L Silver
1University of Toronto, Division of Neurology, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Pregnancy and postpartum periods carry stroke risks, particularly after delivery. This case highlights a rare instance of stroke caused by acute myocardial infarction, stemming from coronary artery dissection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with an elevated risk of stroke.
- Cerebral arterial dissection and cardiac abnormalities are known potential causes of stroke in this demographic.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old woman experienced a stroke with left-sided weakness eight days postpartum.
- Imaging confirmed a right middle cerebral artery infarction.
- Cardiac evaluation revealed acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery dissection.
Findings:
- The patient successfully underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, leading to substantial recovery of cardiac function.
- Neurological deficits fully resolved within two years of presentation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rare but serious association between coronary artery dissection, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke in the postpartum period.
- Highlights the importance of considering complex cardiovascular events in postpartum stroke etiology.