MUMPS MYOCARDITIS: A FORGOTTEN DISEASE?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Mumps is a viral illness typically self-limiting, but complications can arise.
• Myocarditis, a heart inflammation, is a known but less common mumps complication, especially post-vaccination.
• This case examines a pediatric patient presenting with mumps and subsequent cardiac involvement.

Observation:

• A child presented with classic mumps symptoms (parotid swelling, fever).
• The patient developed persistent tachycardia and irregular pulse, prompting cardiac evaluation.
• Cardiac workup revealed decreased ejection fraction and elevated cardiac enzymes, indicating myocardial damage.

Findings:

• The child's myocarditis was diagnosed based on clinical presentation and diagnostic tests.
• Treatment with ionotropic agents and supportive care led to full recovery.
• Complete normalization of ejection fraction and cardiac enzyme levels was achieved within a week.

Implications:

• This case underscores the need to consider myocarditis in mumps patients with unexplained cardiac symptoms.
• Early suspicion and prompt supportive management are vital for favorable outcomes in mumps-related myocarditis.
• The findings emphasize the importance of continued vigilance for vaccine-preventable disease complications.