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Myopericarditis associated with ECHO virus type 3 infection--A case report.
Japanese Circulation Journal
|November 1, 1983
Summary
This study reports a case of myopericarditis caused by ECHO virus. Viral infection can mimic myocardial infarction in patients with healthy coronary arteries.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Myopericarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and the outer lining of the heart.
- ECHO virus infections are a known cause of viral myocarditis.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male presented with chest pain and fever, diagnosed with myopericarditis.
- The patient exhibited congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion, and transient ECG abnormalities.
- Endomyocardial biopsy revealed mononuclear cell infiltration, myocyte necrosis, and fibrosis.
Findings:
- Diagnosis confirmed by elevated hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody titers against type 3 ECHO virus.
- Cardiac catheterization showed normal coronary arteries despite regional hypokinesis.
- Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis indicated viral-induced myocardial injury.
Implications:
- Viral infections can cause clinical presentations resembling myocardial infarction even with normal coronary arteries.
- This case highlights the importance of considering viral etiologies in myocardial injury.
- Findings support viral infection as a cause of myopericarditis and myocardial infarction-like symptoms.