A reconsidered diagnosis in an unresolving myocarditis-a case report

Myocarditis typically presents with chest pain, a raised troponin and is associated with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). However, non-resolution of symptoms despite treatment should raise cause for concern that an alternative diagnosis may be present.

A 17-year-old gentleman with a background history of developmental delay, gastrointestinal motility issues, retractile testes, and patellar dislocation presented to our emergency department with chest pain. Investigations revealed static mildly elevated troponin T. An electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram were both unremarkable. CMR revealed sub-endocardial and mid-wall LGE. He was treated as myocarditis with steroids and colchicine, however symptoms persisted and repeat CMR reported progressive LGE. The diagnosis of myocarditis was reconsidered given an atypical presentation and taking into account his past medical history, and so a whole gene exome was performed. This revealed a dual diagnosis of Klinefelter's Syndrome and a mutation in the dystrophin gene located on the X chromosome.

In this case, an interplay between Klinefelter's Syndrome and Muscular Dystrophy is demonstrated, potentially protecting our patient against a more aggressive Duchenne phenotype of muscular dystrophy. Upon non-resolution of symptoms, re-evaluating his presentation, investigations and taking into account his background multi-system medical history lead us to performing the genetic testing which revealed the correct diagnosis.