Forensic Consideration of Postpartum Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated with Ergot Derivatives Administration in Old Aged Woman: A Case Report.

Korean J Leg Med. 2005 May;29(1):52-55. Korean.

Department of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Korea.

Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea. foremed@chonbuk.ac.kr

Cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that occurs during pregnancy or postpartum are rarely reported. Ergot derivatives were known to induce spasmodic contraction of coronary arteries. Administration of ergot derivatives can cause AMI even in normal healthy people. Several cases are also reported that ergot derivatives may trigger severe AMI in postpartum period. Here, we report a case of a forty-year-old pregnant woman who was succeeded to be pregnant by artificial fertilization died after treatment with ergot derivatives. Examinations of autopsy have revealed AMI with severe coronary atherosclerosis. This case is the first report which shows aggravation of preexistent severe coronary atherosclerosis after postpartum infusion of ergot derivatives.

Key Word : Autopsy, Myocardial infarction, Aged, Postpartum, Ergot alkaloids