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Influenza myocarditis in paediatric patients
Paola Dolader1, Joan Balcells2, Ferran Gran1
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona. Spain.
Cardiology in the Young
|December 10, 2021
Summary
Influenza viruses can cause acute myocarditis, a serious heart condition, in children. Early diagnosis and considering influenza are crucial for managing this rare but potentially fatal illness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Acute myocarditis is a rare, potentially fatal cardiac condition.
- Endomyocardial biopsy is essential for diagnosis.
- Influenza viruses are an uncommon but documented cause of myocarditis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on pediatric patients with influenza-associated myocarditis.
- To highlight the importance of considering influenza as an etiology for myocarditis.
- To emphasize early diagnosis and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Case series of pediatric patients.
- Histologic examination of endomyocardial biopsies.
- Clinical presentation and outcome analysis.
Main Results:
- Influenza virus infection complicated a percentage of influenza cases.
- Clinical presentations ranged from chest pain to fulminant myocarditis.
- High mortality was observed in acute cases requiring mechanical support.
Conclusions:
- Influenza virus is a significant, though uncommon, cause of pediatric myocarditis.
- Considering influenza in the differential diagnosis is critical for prompt treatment.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes in pediatric myocarditis.
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