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Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
[Ampulla cardiomyopathy induced by meningitis: two case reports]
Michifumi Kyuma1, Ryosuke Noda, Makoto Hagiwara
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Muroran City General Hospital, Hokkaido. murohosp022@kujiran.jp
Abstract:
Two patients presented with ampulla cardiomyopathy induced by meningitis. A 71-year-old man with meningitis was admitted to our neurosurgery division. Emergent coronary angiography was performed, because of sudden blood pressure fall and ST elevation in the precordial leads. Left ventriculography and coronary angiography revealed apical ballooning without coronary stenosis. A 73-year-old woman with meningitis was admitted to another hospital. She felt chest pain. Electrocardiography showed ST elevation in the precordial leads. She was transferred to our division. Echocardiography revealed apical ballooning and hyperkinesis of the base. Creatine kinase level showed no elevation on admission or 8 hr later. Ampulla cardiomyopathy with cerebrovascular disease is common, but rare with meningitis, which needs intensive care because of the risk of respiratory arrest.
Insights
Meningitis can cause apical ballooning cardiomyopathy, a rare condition. This requires intensive care due to potential respiratory arrest, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Intensive Care Medicine
Background:
- Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Apical ballooning cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is typically associated with cerebrovascular disease.
- The occurrence of apical ballooning cardiomyopathy secondary to meningitis is considered rare.
Observation:
- Two patients with meningitis presented with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome, including chest pain and ST elevation.
- Coronary angiography revealed apical ballooning without significant coronary stenosis in one patient.
- Echocardiography demonstrated apical ballooning and basal hyperkinesis in the other patient, with normal creatine kinase levels.
Findings:
- The findings suggest a causal link between meningitis and the development of apical ballooning cardiomyopathy.
- This presentation is unusual, as apical ballooning cardiomyopathy is more commonly linked to cerebrovascular events.
- The absence of elevated cardiac enzymes further supports a non-ischemic etiology.
Implications:
- Meningitis should be considered as a potential trigger for apical ballooning cardiomyopathy.
- Patients with meningitis experiencing cardiac symptoms require thorough cardiovascular evaluation.
- Early recognition and intensive care are crucial due to the risk of respiratory compromise in these patients.
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