Transient myocarditis associated with acute Zika virus infection

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Neurology

Background:

• The Zika virus outbreak is a growing global health concern.
• Zika virus infection is known to cause neurological complications.
• Cardiac involvement in Zika virus infection is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of travel-acquired Zika virus infection complicated by myocarditis in Mainland France.
• To highlight the potential for cardiac complications in Zika virus cases.
• To recommend diagnostic approaches for cardiac involvement in acute Zika infection.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with travel-acquired Zika virus infection.
• Clinical assessment including cardiac symptom evaluation.
• Diagnostic workup including electrocardiogram and troponin levels.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with acute Zika virus infection.
• The infection was complicated by myocarditis, a rare cardiac manifestation.
• Electrocardiogram and troponin levels were key in diagnosing cardiac involvement.

Conclusions:

• Zika virus infection can lead to myocarditis, even in travel-acquired cases.
• Cardiac monitoring, including electrocardiogram and troponin, is recommended for patients with acute Zika infection exhibiting cardiac symptoms.
• This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac complications in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses with potential Zika virus exposure.