Rabies and the Heart.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Rabies is a neglected, highly fatal viral infection primarily affecting the central nervous system.
• It disproportionately burdens low- and middle-income regions, causing significant health and economic impacts.
• Extraneuronal manifestations, including cardiac involvement, are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review existing literature on cardiac involvement in rabies.
• To understand the spectrum of cardiac manifestations associated with rabies infection.
• To assess the role of cardiac involvement in rabies disease severity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search for case reports and case series on rabies with cardiac involvement.
• Analysis of documented cardiac pathologies, such as myocarditis and arrhythmias.
• Synthesis of findings to describe the pattern and impact of cardiac involvement.

Main Results:

• Cardiac involvement in rabies is documented, often presenting as myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Case reports and series form the bulk of existing evidence.
• The extent and specific mechanisms of cardiac involvement require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac involvement is a significant, though often underreported, aspect of rabies.
• Understanding cardiac manifestations is crucial for managing rabies severity and patient outcomes.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and clinical implications of cardiac involvement in rabies.