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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
[Familial spam (streptococcal pharyngitis associated myocarditis): is it a new entity or a coincidence?]
Background:
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium. It is potentially life-threatening, with a wide range of clinical presentations and most often it is caused by various viral, bacterial or fungal infections.
Case Presentation:
A 27 year-old man, previously hospitalized due to streptococcal tonsillitis, was admitted to ED because of chest pain. He presented with pain, tightness irradiating to both shoulders and arms and associated sweating and vomiting. The ECG revealed ST elevations on Leads: V5-V6, V7-V9, II, III, AVF and ST depressions on Leads V1-V3. Laboratory results showed elevated Liver enzymes, and positive troponin-5.766 ng/mL The patient showed clinical improvement with NSAIDs and was diagnosed with myocarditis. His brother was admitted to the hospital a year earlier with a sore throat accompanied by chest pain and was diagnosed with perimyocarditis.
Conclusions:
The family history of myocarditis after a streptococcal infection, affecting two brothers a year apart from each other, raises the possibility that there is a genetic component responsible for an individuaLs susceptibility to develop myocarditis.
Insights
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, can be life-threatening. A case study suggests a potential genetic susceptibility to myocarditis following streptococcal infections, as observed in two brothers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Myocarditis is a serious inflammation of the heart muscle.
- It can be triggered by infections, including bacterial and viral pathogens.
- Clinical presentations vary widely, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old male presented with chest pain, sweating, and vomiting post-streptococcal tonsillitis.
- ECG showed significant ST elevations and depressions; troponin levels were elevated.
- The patient's brother had a similar presentation with perimyocarditis a year prior.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with myocarditis and improved with NSAIDs.
- A familial history of myocarditis after streptococcal infection was noted in two brothers.
- This suggests a possible genetic predisposition to developing myocarditis.
Implications:
- Investigating genetic factors may enhance understanding of myocarditis susceptibility.
- Early recognition of familial risk factors could improve patient outcomes.
- Further research into the genetic basis of infectious myocarditis is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management

