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Cardiac effects of acute myelitis
International Journal of Cardiology
|August 2, 2005
Summary
Neurogenic stunned myocardium, a cardiac condition, can occur with acute myelitis. This case report details a patient who experienced cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias due to myelitis, with full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM) is a recognized cardiac complication linked to various neurological conditions.
- Previous associations include subarachnoid hemorrhage, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and brain tumors.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old female presented with acute quadriplegia, sensory loss, and pulmonary edema.
- MRI confirmed acute myelitis.
- Echocardiography revealed significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (35%) with global hypokinesis.
Findings:
- The patient experienced episodes of sinus bradycardia and high-degree atrioventricular block.
- These cardiac abnormalities, indicative of NSM, resolved spontaneously within eight days.
- The case highlights a novel association between acute myelitis and neurogenic stunned myocardium.
Implications:
- Acute myelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurogenic stunned myocardium.
- This association expands the spectrum of neurological triggers for cardiac dysfunction.
- Prompt recognition and supportive care may lead to complete cardiac recovery.