[Myocardial infection by Mycobacterium: a case report].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiovascular mycobacterial infections are exceptionally rare.
• Detailed pathological data on these infections are scarce.
• This case highlights an asymptomatic myocardial infection discovered post-mortem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a rare case of asymptomatic myocardial mycobacterial infection.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and clinical implications of such infections.
• To enhance understanding of myocardial tuberculosis and mycobacterial cardiovascular involvement.

Main Methods:

• Autopsy and detailed histological examination of cardiac and pulmonary tissues.
• Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis on paraffin-embedded samples.
• Review of literature regarding mycobacterial cardiovascular infections.

Main Results:

• Asymptomatic myocardial mycobacterial lesions were identified incidentally during autopsy.
• The patient's cause of death was pulmonary thromboembolism.
• PCR tests for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in heart and lung tissues were negative, despite high suspicion for tuberculosis.

Conclusions:

• Mycobacterial infections of the myocardium are rare and can be asymptomatic.
• Diagnostic methods, including PCR on fixed tissues, may present limitations.
• Further understanding of predisposing factors, dissemination, and clinical presentation is crucial for clinicians.