Still's disease and myocarditis associated with recent mumps infection

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Juvenile-onset Still's disease (JOSD) is a rare systemic autoinflammatory disorder.
• Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, can be a serious complication in various infections.
• Viral infections are implicated as potential triggers for autoinflammatory conditions.

Observation:

• A 16-year-old patient presented with clinical and laboratory findings consistent with Still's disease.
• Cardiac involvement was evidenced by myocarditis in the affected adolescent.
• Serological testing revealed a rise in mumps virus 'V' antigen levels.

Findings:

• The observed myocarditis in the patient was associated with the diagnosis of Still's disease.
• Elevated mumps 'V' antigen suggests a recent mumps virus infection preceding or concurrent with the disease onset.
• This case indicates a potential etiological association between mumps infection and the development of Still's disease with cardiac manifestations.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering viral triggers, such as mumps, in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting with Still's disease and myocarditis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which mumps infection may contribute to the pathogenesis of Still's disease.
• Understanding these associations can aid in early diagnosis and management of JOSD, potentially preventing severe complications like myocarditis.