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Chronic active myocarditis simulating constrictive pericarditis-like findings: report of a case
1Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical and Dental College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis-like symptoms in a patient were caused by chronic active myocarditis, not pericardial disease. Autopsy confirmed widespread fibrosis and inflammation, highlighting myocarditis as a cause of heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis typically presents with hemodynamic compromise due to pericardial thickening.
- Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, can lead to various cardiac dysfunctions.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old female presented with symptoms mimicking constrictive pericarditis.
- Initial biopsy suggested mild myocarditis; however, the patient later developed intractable heart failure.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed significant left and right ventricular dilatation and diffuse replacement fibrosis.
- Extensive mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis, predominantly in inner myocardial layers, were observed.
- The pericardium was intact, ruling out constrictive pericarditis.
Implications:
- This case highlights chronic active myocarditis as a potential cause of constrictive pericarditis-like syndrome.
- Myocarditis can lead to progressive heart failure and ventricular remodeling.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of myocarditis presenting with atypical features.