Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a parturient with Nail–Patella syndrome

•Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of myocardial infarction.•Nail–Patella syndrome can lead to irregular distribution of collagen type III.•Further investigation should occur in patients with symptoms of a coronary event.•Coronary angiography is the exam of choice to diagnose coronary artery dissection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome, occurring predominantly in women during and immediately after pregnancy; it carries a mortality rate of greater than 50%. While the exact etiology is unknown, possible contributing factors include pregnancy-related hormonal, connective tissue and hemodynamic changes. We present a case of a 35-year-old multigravid woman with Nail–Patella syndrome who developed an acute myocardial infarction secondary to spontaneous coronary artery dissection during labor which was not diagnosed until after delivery. We hypothesize that abnormal collagen fiber formation found in Nail–Patella syndrome may have put her at an increased risk of coronary dissection and myocardial infarction. Regardless of etiology, a delay in diagnosis of myocardial ischemia can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In light of the increasing burden of cardiac disease in the obstetric population, clinicians should remain vigilant for signs of myocardial infarction and prepare for definitive diagnosis and treatment.