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Atrial flutter complicating neonatal Coxsackie B2 myocarditis
S S Shah1, W E Hellenbrand, P G Gallagher
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Pediatric Cardiology
|May 2, 1998
Summary
A neonate experienced atrial flutter due to Coxsackie B2 myocarditis. Treatment with electrocardioversion and digoxin led to survival without lasting heart problems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Viral Myocarditis
- Neonatal Arrhythmias
Background:
- Coxsackie B viral infections are a common cause of myocarditis in neonates.
- Neonatal myocarditis can lead to various cardiac complications, including arrhythmias.
- Atrial flutter is a rare supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.
Observation:
- A neonate presented with symptoms suggestive of acute myocarditis.
- Electrocardiogram revealed atrial flutter, a tachyarrhythmia.
- The myocarditis was confirmed to be caused by Coxsackie B2 virus.
Findings:
- The neonate's atrial flutter was successfully terminated using electrocardioversion.
- Digoxin was administered post-procedure to manage the heart rhythm.
- The infant recovered fully with no residual cardiac sequelae.
Implications:
- This case highlights atrial flutter as a previously unreported complication of Coxsackie B2 myocarditis in neonates.
- Early recognition and prompt management of neonatal atrial flutter are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Further research into the specific mechanisms linking Coxsackie B2 myocarditis and atrial flutter may be warranted.