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Published on: May 16, 2013
[Acute pericarditis associated with Plasmodium ovale malaria].
T Coton1, P Debourdeau, P Schoenlaub
1Service de pathologie digestive, Hôpital d'instruction des armées Laveran, Marseille. thierrycoton@msn.com
Summary
This report details a rare case of benign acute pericarditis linked to Plasmodium ovale malaria. Prompt treatment with chloroquine and NSAIDs led to a full recovery, highlighting malaria as a potential cause of pericarditis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Benign acute pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, often idiopathic.
- Recurrent Plasmodium ovale malaria is a tropical parasitic infection.
- Travel to endemic regions is a key risk factor for malaria.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old soldier with a history of West African travel presented with symptoms of acute pericarditis.
- The patient had a documented history of recurrent Plasmodium ovale malaria.
- The pericarditis resolved successfully with standard medical treatment.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates a rare association between Plasmodium ovale malaria and benign acute pericarditis.
- Effective treatment involved chloroquine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- No recurrence of pericarditis was observed at one-year follow-up.
Implications:
- Plasmodium ovale malaria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute benign pericarditis, especially in travelers.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can prevent cardiac complications.
- This case expands the known spectrum of clinical manifestations of Plasmodium ovale malaria.
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