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Published on: February 17, 2018
[Myopericarditis during Horton disease]
A Teixeira1, E Capitaine, F Congy
1Service de médecine interne I, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France. antonio.teixeira@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr <antonio.teixeira@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr>
Insights
Myopericarditis, a rare manifestation of Horton disease, can present atypically. Early diagnosis via temporal artery biopsy and corticosteroid treatment are crucial for managing cardiac symptoms and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Myopericarditis is an uncommon cardiac manifestation of Horton disease (giant cell arteritis).
- This report details two elderly patients with unusual presentations of myopericarditis secondary to Horton disease.
Observation:
- Both patients, over 60, presented with global cardiac insufficiency, elevated inflammatory markers, and echocardiographic evidence of myopericarditis.
- Infectious causes were ruled out by negative bacteriological investigations.
Findings:
- Temporal artery biopsy confirmed giant cell arteritis in both cases, establishing the diagnosis of Horton disease.
- Treatment with oral corticosteroids led to significant clinical and biological improvement.
Implications:
- Myopericarditis, though rare, should be considered in elderly patients with cardiac insufficiency and inflammation, especially when other causes are excluded.
- Temporal artery biopsy is critical for diagnosing Horton disease and guiding therapy to prevent severe cardiovascular events.
Introduction:
Myopericarditis is an rare form of Horton disease. We report two new cases.
Method:
Two patients, more than 60-years-old, had developed global cardiac insufficiency with predominant left insufficiency, with physical alteration and biological inflammation. Echocardiography revealed a myopericarditis. Bacteriological explorations were all negative. In the two cases, temporal artery biopsy revealed giant cell arteritis. Treatment with oral corticosteroids improved biological and clinical symptoms.
Conclusion:
Myopericarditis is a rare form of Horton disease. Classical clinical presentation is rarely associated. Temporal artery biopsy is essential in confirming and proposing a specific therapy, in order to prevent cardiovascular ischemic complications.
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