The global status of toxoplasmic myocarditis: A case series and systematic literature review

Toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the parasite T. gondii, can lead to myocarditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle. The purpose of this study is to provide insights into its clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and potential treatment approaches for myocarditis due to toxoplasmosis infection.

In this systematic review, the searches were conducted across on main databases and followed the PRISMA guidelines to compile relevant studies. After eliminating duplicate entries and carefully assessing inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 21 studies in our review. Subsequently, we analyzed the collected data.

Twenty one articles were analyzed, covering a total of 24 cases of toxoplasmic myocarditis. Among the patients, 75 % (18 cases) were male, while 25 % (6 cases) were female. The average age of those examined was 37.3 years. The findings indicated that serology and MRI tests play a crucial role in the definitive diagnosis of toxoplasmic myocarditis. However, in cases of deceased patients, confirmation was obtained through autopsy and tissue staining.

The findings from this research highlight the significance of toxoplasmosis as a potential contributor to development of myocarditis, a condition to which cardiologists should pay attention. Diligent healthcare professionals, equipped with continuous monitoring and access to suitable therapeutic interventions, play a crucial role in assisting patients with myocarditis. By including toxoplasmosis as a myocarditis risk factors, cardiologists can ensure timely diagnosis, and providing appropriate treatment, which can impact on patient outcomes.