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Published on: June 20, 2014
Rubella-associated perimyocarditis--a case report
Tomohiro Harada1, Eiji Ohtaki, Tetsuya Tobaru
1Department of Cardiology, Sakakibara Heart Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Perimyocarditis represents an inflammation of both the myocardium and pericardium. Although several causative agents have been recognized, pericarditis or myocarditis associated with rubella is an unusual complication. In a 29-year-old woman, left ventricular function transiently deteriorated accompanied by ongoing cardiac inflammation a few days after illness. The titer of rubella virus increased from seronegative to more than 32-fold during the admission, and a rise in specific antirubella virus antibody was present. The patient was suspected of having perimyocarditis associated with the rubella infection. The authors also present clinical features of rubella-associated perimyocarditis and myocarditis in the literature.
Insights
Rubella infection can cause perimyocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle and lining. This case study highlights a rare instance of rubella-associated cardiac inflammation and transiently reduced left ventricular function in a young woman.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Perimyocarditis, inflammation of the myocardium and pericardium, has various known causes.
- Cardiac complications associated with rubella infection are uncommon.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old woman presented with symptoms following a rubella infection.
- She experienced transient left ventricular dysfunction and persistent cardiac inflammation.
- Elevated rubella virus titers and specific antibody responses were detected during her hospital stay.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with perimyocarditis linked to a rubella infection.
- This case represents an unusual presentation of rubella-associated cardiac inflammation.
- Clinical features of rubella-associated perimyocarditis and myocarditis from existing literature are also discussed.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for rubella virus to cause significant cardiac inflammation.
- It highlights the importance of considering viral etiologies, including rubella, in cases of unexplained perimyocarditis.
- Further research into the mechanisms and clinical spectrum of rubella-associated myocarditis is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

