Rare case of respiratory syncytial virus induced myocarditis in a neonate: A case report

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in neonates. While typically associated with bronchiolitis and pneumonia, RSV can rarely cause extrapulmonary complications such as myocarditis, which may present with life-threatening symptoms if not promptly recognized.

We describe the case of a 26-day-old male neonate who presented with respiratory distress, poor feeding, and irritability. Initial evaluation revealed an RSV infection confirmed via nasopharyngeal swab. As the clinical course progressed, the infant developed cardiac arrhythmias, elevated cardiac enzymes, and echocardiographic findings consistent with myocarditis. Management included mechanical ventilation, corticosteroid therapy, L-carnitine, and vitamin D supplementation. The patient responded well to treatment and was successfully extubated and discharged in stable condition after nine days of hospitalization.

This case highlights the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management of RSV-associated myocarditis in neonates.