Myocarditis and Rhabdomyolysis in a Healthy Young Man Caused by Salmonella Gastroenteritis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Salmonella gastroenteritis is typically self-limiting but can rarely lead to severe systemic complications.
• Bacterial infections are infrequent causes of acute myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis, conditions more commonly linked to viral infections.
• Life-threatening complications from bacterial GI infections are exceptionally rare in immunocompetent individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Salmonella gastroenteritis complicated by acute myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and shock.
• To highlight the importance of early recognition and prompt management of these rare complications.
• To underscore that bacterial infections can precipitate severe systemic sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 28-year-old male with no prior medical history.
• Clinical presentation of acute Salmonella gastroenteritis.
• Diagnosis and management of associated myocardial injury, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and shock.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe Salmonella gastroenteritis.
• He developed myocardial injury (likely myocarditis), rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and shock.
• Complete recovery was achieved through early recognition and appropriate therapy.

Conclusions:

• Salmonella gastroenteritis, though common, can precipitate rare and severe systemic complications in immunocompetent hosts.
• Acute myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with severe Salmonella infection.
• Prompt medical intervention is crucial for favorable outcomes in such rare cases.