Pediatric Emergency Playbook

Myocardial infarction (MI) in children is uncommon, but underdiagnosed.  This is due to two main factors: the etiologies are varied; and the presenting symptoms are “atypical”. We need a mental metal detector!  Case examples Congenital Two main presentations of MI due to congenital lesions: novel and known.  The novel presentation is at risk for underdiagnosis, due to its uncommonness and vague, atypical symptoms.  There are usually some red flags with a careful H&P.  The known presentation is a child with a history of congenital heart disease, addressed by corrective or palliative surgery.  This child is at risk for expected complications, as well as overdiagnosis and iatrogenia.  Risk stratify, collaborate with specialists. The fussy, sweaty feeder: ALCAPA Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA) is an example of what can go wrong during fetal development: any abnormality in the number, origin, course, or morphology of the coronary arteries can present as a neonate with sweat