Acute myocardial infarction in a young patient with Chikungunya: a case report

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is globally distributed and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, with a mortality rate of 0.8/1,000 cases. The heart is the second most affected organ, with the osteoarticular system being the first. Cardiac involvement ranges from acute symptoms like myocarditis and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions to long-term complications such as dilated cardiomyopathy. While a direct association between CHIKV and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is rare, systemic inflammation associated with chronic post-Chikungunya arthritis may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, increasing AMI risk. This case report describes an AMI with non-obstructive coronary arteries in a previously healthy 24-year-old male infected with CHIKV. He presented low back pain, nausea, sweating, dyspnea, progressive leg edema, fever, and polyarticular pain in the knees and ankles. He was in critical condition upon admission, with decreased consciousness and hemodynamic instability, requiring transfer to the intensive care unit. He died 24 h later. Autopsy revealed a significantly enlarged heart, no visible atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, and an extensive infarction in the interventricular septum. Histology showed coagulation necrosis, alveolar hemorrhage, and hepatic congestion. RT-PCR for CHIKV was detected in the lungs and heart tissues, while tests for other infectious diseases were negative. Studies highlight the role of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) in protecting cardiac tissue from chronic CHIKV-related effects. Impaired MAVS signaling may enable continued viral replication, leading to myocarditis and vascular inflammation. Co-infection with dengue fever further increases the risk of cardiac complications. Postmortem analysis is essential to confirm CHIKV-related cardiac deaths and improve understanding and management of severe manifestations.