Giant cell myocarditis: a life-threatening disorder heralded by orbital myositis

Muhammad Sajawal Ali1, Benjamin I Mba1, Aliya Noor Husain2

  • 1Department of Medicine, John H Stroger, Jr, Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

BMJ Case Reports
|March 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Orbital myositis (OM) can present with cardiac issues. Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) should be suspected in OM patients with ventricular tachycardia and heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Orbital myositis (OM) is an inflammatory condition affecting eye muscles.
  • Cardiac involvement in OM is rare but can be severe.

Observation:

  • A 40-year-old male with OM presented with ventricular tachycardia and cardiogenic shock.
  • Initial diagnosis considered arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy due to right ventricular dilation.
  • Cardiac MRI was limited by arrhythmias.

Findings:

  • Endomyocardial biopsy confirmed giant cell myocarditis (GCM).
  • This is the seventh reported case of GCM associated with OM.
  • The patient required an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider GCM in OM patients with cardiac symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of GCM in OM patients may improve outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to understand the link between OM and GCM.

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
557
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...
438
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...
312
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...
613
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
3.4K
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:22

Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition of the myocardium requiring meticulous nursing management for optimal patient outcomes. Effective management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, paying close attention to past infections, autoimmune disorders, travel history, and exposure to toxins or drugs. Recent viral infections and systemic diseases are particularly relevant due to their potential role in triggering myocarditis.Physical Examination and MonitoringThe...
346