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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
05:38

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B

Published on: January 30, 2017

Severe influenza B myocarditis and myositis

Sarah Tabbutt1, Mary Leonard, Rodolfo I Godinez

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine : a Journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies
|June 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Influenza B infection can cause severe myocarditis and skeletal myositis in children. Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of influenza B.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Influenza B virus is a common respiratory pathogen.
  • Myocarditis and skeletal myositis are rare but serious complications of viral infections.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old girl presented with symptoms suggestive of influenza B infection.
  • She developed profound myocardial dysfunction, severe skeletal myositis, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure.

Findings:

  • The patient required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiac support.
  • Plasmapheresis and continuous venovenous hemodialysis were used to manage rhabdomyolysis and renal failure.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe cardiac and muscular complications from influenza B in children.
  • Clinicians should consider influenza B in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with viral illness, myoglobinuria, renal failure, and/or myocarditis.
Abstract

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