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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.
Summary
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.