Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
05:53

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

Pericarditis with massive pericardial effusion in a cytomegalovirus-infected infant

Chang-Teng Wu1, Jing-Long Huang

  • 1Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tauyuan, Taiwan, ROC. wct0722@yahoo.com.tw

Acta Cardiologica
|January 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause pericarditis and pericardial effusion in infants. This case highlights a rare instance of cardiac involvement in a healthy infant with CMV.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Viral infections are common causes of acute myocardial and pericardial disease.
  • Enteroviruses are the most frequent viral culprits, often leading to asymptomatic infections.
  • Cardiac involvement in cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is infrequent, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Observation:

  • A 3.5-month-old, previously healthy, breastfed infant girl presented with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
  • The infant exhibited signs of pericarditis with a massive pericardial effusion.
  • This presentation is unusual given the typical rarity of CMV-related cardiac issues in non-immunocompromised hosts.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates a rare occurrence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) causing significant cardiac pathology in an infant.
  • Pericarditis with massive pericardial effusion was diagnosed in association with CMV infection.
  • This contrasts with the more common enteroviral causes of viral myocarditis and pericarditis.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known spectrum of cardiac manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in infants.
  • It underscores the importance of considering viral etiologies, including CMV, in the differential diagnosis of pediatric pericarditis.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of CMV-induced cardiac disease in otherwise healthy infants.

More Related Videos

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain05:51

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain

Published on: July 24, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...