Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model
03:45

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model

Published on: August 8, 2022

3.3K

Clinical Phenotypes and Early Risk Stratification in Pediatric Acute Myocarditis: A Single-Center Experience in the

Mattia Pasquinucci1,2, Marco Scaglione2, Daniele Caratozzolo2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, AULSS 7 Pedemontana-San Bassiano Hospital, Bassano del Grappa.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|April 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric acute myocarditis is increasingly diagnosed postpandemic. Severe cases in children are linked to hemodynamic instability and elevated biomarkers like NT-pro-BNP and procalcitonin, unlike milder presentations with chest pain.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Pediatric acute myocarditis exhibits diverse clinical presentations.
  • Identifying early indicators of severe disease is critical for timely intervention.
  • The impact of the postpandemic era on pediatric myocarditis incidence and characteristics warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify early clinical and laboratory predictors of severe pediatric acute myocarditis requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
  • To characterize clinical features of pediatric myocarditis cases diagnosed in the postpandemic period.
  • To analyze risk factors associated with disease severity in pediatric myocarditis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients admitted with acute myocarditis (2012-2024).
  • Comparison of patients requiring ICU admission versus those managed in standard wards.
  • Descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, and effect size calculations were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

  • Increased frequency of pediatric myocarditis diagnoses observed post-2020.
  • Two phenotypes identified: chest pain (59%) and cardiogenic shock (15%).
  • ICU admission strongly correlated with hemodynamic instability, reduced ejection fraction, and absence of chest pain. Elevated NT-pro-BNP and procalcitonin levels were associated with severe disease. Parvovirus B19 was the most common pathogen in recent cases.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric myocarditis incidence rose in the postpandemic era.
  • Risk stratification is essential; chest pain indicates a milder course in older children.
  • Severe cases, often in younger children, present with hemodynamic compromise (shock, elevated NT-pro-BNP) and systemic inflammation (procalcitonin).
Abstract

Keywords:
coronavirusinflammatory myopericardial syndromeparvovirus B19pediatric myocarditisrisk stratification

More Related Videos

Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction14:19

Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Published on: October 14, 2016

11.0K

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
493
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
804
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
493
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
923
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
817
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
343