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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
06:10
Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
[Unexpected sudden death after percutaneous coronary intervention]
Jørgen Gravning1, Ashild Vege, John Kjekshus
1Nasjonalforeningen for folkehelsen, Det norske hjerte-karrådet, Institutt for kirurgisk forskning. j.a.gravning@medisin.uio.no
Summary
Myocarditis can be a critical diagnosis in chest pain patients, often underestimated. Autopsy revealed massive myocarditis as the cause of sudden death in a patient initially treated for coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Myocarditis is an underdiagnosed cause of chest pain and heart failure symptoms.
- It is a frequent finding in sudden cardiac death among young individuals.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old man presented with chest pain, initially treated for coronary artery disease via percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
- Despite initial treatment and discharge, the patient died suddenly six days post-PCI.
- Autopsy revealed massive myocarditis, with no evidence of myocardial necrosis or significant coronary artery disease.
Findings:
- Elevated cardiac biomarkers (Troponin-I, CK-MB mass) were detected post-admission.
- The primary autopsy finding was massive myocarditis, not myocardial infarction.
- The patient had minor coronary artery disease, treated with PCI.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering myocarditis in chest pain differentials.
- It underscores the value of high autopsy rates for clinical feedback, mortality statistics, and research.
- Accurate diagnosis and understanding of myocarditis are crucial for patient outcomes.
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