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Cardiac arrest associated with febrile illness due to U.K. acquired Cyclospora cayetanensis

Christopher Burrell1, Srinivasulu Reddy, Guy Haywood

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Southwest Cardiothoracic Centre, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK. chris.burrell@phnt.swest.nhs.uk

The Journal of Infection
|May 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A rare Cyclospora cayetanensis infection caused fever and diarrhea, leading to cardiac arrest in a UK man. This case highlights the potential link between febrile illnesses and fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Cyclospora cayetanensis is an intestinal pathogen causing gastrointestinal illness.
  • Febrile illnesses can precipitate cardiac events, particularly ventricular arrhythmias.

Observation:

  • A 43-year-old man with UK-acquired Cyclospora cayetanensis infection developed fever and diarrhea.
  • During his febrile illness, he experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Findings:

  • Extensive cardiac investigations, including echocardiogram, coronary angiogram, and electrophysiological studies, did not reveal an underlying cardiac cause.
  • The case suggests a potential association between Cyclospora infection-induced fever and cardiac arrest.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider the possibility of severe cardiac dysrhythmias in patients with febrile illnesses, even without known cardiac conditions.
  • This case underscores the importance of recognizing potential triggers for ventricular arrhythmias during infections.

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