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Myocardial infarction complicating neonatal enterovirus myocarditis
T S Hornung1, E J Bernard, R B Howman-Giles
1Adolph Basser Cardiac Institute, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 15, 1999
Summary
Neonatal meningitis caused by enterovirus can lead to persistent heart dysfunction and myocardial infarction in preterm infants. This condition requires ongoing monitoring even after initial recovery from meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterovirus infections are a common cause of aseptic meningitis in neonates.
- Preterm infants are at increased risk for severe complications from viral infections.
- Myocardial involvement can occur secondary to systemic infections in neonates.
Observation:
- A 10-week-old, 31-week gestation preterm infant presented with heart failure.
- The infant had a history of neonatal aseptic meningitis with confirmed enterovirus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Cardiac investigations revealed global myocardial dysfunction and a specific left ventricle posterolateral myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- The infant's heart failure was medically managed successfully.
- Persistent myocardial dysfunction was noted 9 months post-presentation.
- Enterovirus infection was linked to myocardial infarction and subsequent cardiac dysfunction.
Implications:
- Enterovirus meningitis in preterm neonates can result in long-term cardiac sequelae.
- Early recognition and management of cardiac complications are crucial.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and long-term outcomes of enterovirus-induced myocardial injury in neonates.