[Rapidly fatal myocarditis due to group B streptococci (author's transl)]

The case of acute purulent group B streptococcal myocarditis in a 29-year-old Turk is described, no similar case having previously been published. He fell ill suddenly with gastro-intestinal symptoms, high fever and pain in arms and legs. The ECG had low voltage in the limb leads and signs of a large acute myocardial infarct. The sedimentation rate was slightly raised, an initial leukopenia was followed by leukocytosis and high enzyme activity. He died in cardiogenic shock on the third day of illness. The post-mortem examination revealed acute purulent myocarditis, and numerous group B streptococci (Strept. agalactiae) were found in the myocardium.