Myocardial necrosis in a patient with mixed connective tissue disease

A 23-year-old black woman with mixed connective tissue disease developed acute onset of shortness of breath and evidence of pulmonary edema. Cardiac isoenzymes, electrocardiograms and radionuclide myocardial scintigraphy were consistent with focal myocardial necrosis. The patient has had no further myocardial complication since initiation of therapy with steroids.