Good prognosis for pericarditis with and without myocardial involvement: results from a multicenter, prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The natural history of myopericarditis/perimyocarditis is poorly known, and recently published studies have presented contrasting data on their outcomes. The aim of the present article is to assess the prognosis of myopericarditis/perimyocarditis in a multicenter, prospective cohort study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 486 patients (median age, 39 years; range, 18-83 years; 300 men) with acute pericarditis or a myopericardial inflammatory syndrome (myopericarditis/perimyocarditis; 85% idiopathic, 11% connective tissue disease or inflammatory bowel disease, 5% infective) were prospectively evaluated from January 2007 to December 2011. The diagnosis of acute pericarditis was based on the presence of 2 of 4 clinical criteria (chest pain, pericardial rubs, widespread ST-segment elevation or PR depression, and new or worsening pericardial effusion). Myopericardial inflammatory involvement was suspected with atypical ECG changes for pericarditis, arrhythmias, and cardiac troponin elevation or new or worsening ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography and confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance. After a median follow-up of 36 months, normalization of left ventricular function was achieved in >90% of patients with myopericarditis/perimyocarditis. No deaths were recorded, as well as evolution to heart failure or symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. Recurrences (mainly as recurrent pericarditis) were the most common complication during follow-up and were recorded more frequently in patients with acute pericarditis (32%) than in those with myopericarditis (11%) or perimyocarditis (12%; P<0.001). Troponin elevation was not associated with an increase in complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of myopericardial inflammatory syndromes is good. Unlike acute coronary syndromes, troponin elevation is not a negative prognostic marker in this setting.

Prognosis of Myocarditis Developing After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination Compared With Viral Myocarditis

BACKGROUND

Association between messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis has aroused public concern over vaccine safety.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to compare the prognosis of this condition with viral infection-related myocarditis over 180 days.

METHODS

A territory-wide electronic public health care database in Hong Kong linked with population-based vaccination records was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. Since the roll-out of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), patients aged ≥12 years hospitalized with myocarditis within 28 days after BNT162b2 vaccination were compared against viral infection-related myocarditis recorded before the pandemic (2000-2019), over a 180-day follow-up period (starting from diagnosis of myocarditis). All-cause mortality, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart transplant, and postdischarge health care utilization were examined with Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

A total of 866 patients were included for analysis. Over the follow-up period, 1 death (1.0%) of 104 patients with postvaccination myocarditis and 84 deaths (11.0%) of 762 patients with viral infection-related myocarditis were identified. One case (1.0%) of dilated cardiomyopathy and 2 cases (1.9%) of heart failure were identified in the postvaccination group, compared with 28 (3.7%) and 93 (12.2%) in the viral infection-related myocarditis group, respectively. Adjusted analysis showed that the postvaccination myocarditis group had a 92% lower mortality risk (adjusted HR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.57). No significant differences in other prognostic outcomes were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a significantly lower rate of mortality among individuals with myocarditis after mRNA vaccination compared with those with viral infection-related myocarditis. Prognosis of this iatrogenic condition may be less severe than naturally acquired viral infection-related myocarditis.

Unusual Presentation of Acute Perimyocarditis Following SARS-COV-2 mRNA-1237 Moderna Vaccination

Since the start of the pandemic, to date, around 180 million cases have been diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide with an estimated 3.9 million death toll. Mass vaccination has taken place to control spread of infection with the most commonly used vaccines being Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. However, the adverse events associated with vaccination have not been fully investigated. Of concern are some serious cardiovascular events such as myocarditis, pericarditis or perimyocarditis development post-vaccination. In this report, we present an unusual case of acute perimyocarditis and pericardial effusion 10 days following the second dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccination in Qatar. At the time of presentation, the patient presented with non-specific symptoms of headache, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and dehydration. COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative. Once admitted to the emergency department, she started to deteriorate with very low blood pressure readings reaching 40/33 mmHg which was treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation. After 5.5 liters of intravenous fluids, echocardiography and electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed. Findings were consistent with pericardial effusion, signs of impending cardiac tamponade and acute perimyocarditis. Cardiac biomarkers including troponin T and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were elevated. Hospital course was complicated with cardiac arrest, acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and hemodynamic instability. Eventually, the patient recovered after a three-week hospital stay and was discharged on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). This case report highlights the hospital course and outcome linking the second dose of Moderna vaccination and the development of perimyocarditis.

Electrocardiographic changes in the differentiation of ischemic and non-ischemic ST elevation

Identification of true STEMI among patients with different ST-elevation etiology may be improved by considering reciprocal ST depression, ST depression in aVR and chest-lead PR depression.

A case of fulminant perimyocarditis leading to extensive ECMO treatment and spinal injury resulting in paraplegia

Perimyocarditis has varying disease manifestations and prognosis. It may rapidly deteriorate into a life-threatening state requiring advanced intensive care including veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, which may be lifesaving. Close follow-up is warranted to detect both short-term and long-term complications.

Dengue fever as a cause of perimyocarditis and low-pressure cardiac tamponade

We describe a case of dengue shock syndrome, perimyocarditis, and low-pressure cardiac tamponade following a trip to the Caribbean. The case was managed in the critical care unit and 6 weeks after discharge the patient was asymptomatic with a normal ejection fraction. Dengue fever presenting as cardiac tamponade is exceedingly rare and emphasizes the importance of taking a thorough travel history as well as being aware of atypical manifestations of rare diseases to make a correct diagnosis.

A clinical case of tuberculosis with transient constrictive pericarditis and perimyocarditis

Tuberculous pericarditis is a rare diagnosis seen among as few as 1% of tuberculosis (TB) patients in developed countries. We present a case of a 60-year-old male suffering from a transient constrictive pericarditis and subclinical involvement of the myocardium in a clinical case of tuberculous pericarditis with corresponding improvement after the initiation of anti-tuberculous treatment. We suggest monitoring of myocardial function using global longitudinal strain by myocardial speckle tracking strain analysis as supplement to routine left ventricular ejection fraction to assess clinical improvement in patients at risk of developing constrictive pericarditis.

LEARNING POINTS

Tuberculous pericarditis is rare and a diagnostic challenge in low-incidence countries.Patients with tuberculosis and involvement of the heart are at high risk of developing constrictive pericarditis.Novel imaging techniques, such as estimation of global longitudinal strain using myocardial speckle tracking analysis, may be useful in assessing cardiac involvement in tuberculosis patients.

Genomic Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni Associated with Perimyocarditis: A Family Case Report

Campylobacter spp. is the leading cause of foodborne gastrointestinal infections in humans worldwide. This study reports the first case of four family members who had contact with the same source of Campylobacter jejuni contamination with different results. Only the little siblings were infected by the same C. jejuni strain, but with different symptoms. Whereas the daughter was slightly affected with mild enteritis, the son suffered a longer campylobacteriosis followed with a perimyocarditis. This is the first case of the youngest patient affected by C. jejuni-related perimyocarditis published to date. The genomes of both strains were characterized by whole-genome sequencing and compared with the C. jejuni NCTC 11168 genome to gain insights into the molecular features that may be associated with perimyocarditis. Various comparison tools were used for the comparative genomics analysis, including the identification of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, phase variable (PV) genes, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identification. Comparisons of the strains identified 16 SNPs between them, which constituted small but significant changes mainly affecting the ON/OFF state of PV genes after passing through both hosts. These results suggest that PV occurs during human colonization, which modulates bacteria virulence through human host adaptation, which ultimately is related to complications after a campylobacteriosis episode depending on the host status. The findings highlight the importance of the relation between host and pathogen in severe complications of Campylobacter infections.

Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms-Associated Perimyocarditis After Initiation of Anti-tuberculosis Therapy: A Case Report

A 34-year-old female who was recently placed on anti-tuberculosis medication with rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and levofloxacin therapy for suspected tuberculosis reinfection presented with subjective fevers, rash, and generalized fatigue. Labs showed signs of end-organ damage with eosinophilia and leukocytosis. One day later, the patient became hypotensive with a worsening fever, and an electrocardiogram showed new diffuse ST segment elevations with an elevated troponin. An echocardiogram revealed a reduction in ejection fraction with diffuse hypokinesis, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed circumferential myocardial edema with subepicardial and pericardial inflammation. Prompt diagnosis of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome using the European Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (RegiSCAR) criteria and discontinuation of therapy was initiated. Due to the hemodynamic instability of the patient, the patient was started on systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine, with the improvement of her symptoms and rash. A skin biopsy was performed, which revealed perivascular lymphocytic dermatitis, consistent with DRESS syndrome. As the patient's ejection fraction improved spontaneously with corticosteroids, the patient was discharged with oral corticosteroids, and a repeat echocardiogram showed full recovery of ejection fraction. Perimyocarditis is a rare complication of DRESS syndrome that is associated with degranulation and the release of cytotoxic agents into myocardial cells. Early discontinuation of offending agents and initiation of corticosteroids are essential to rapid recovery of ejection fraction and improved clinical outcomes. Multimodality imaging, including MRI, should be used to confirm perimyocardial involvement and guide the necessity for mechanical support or transplant. Further research should be on the mortality of DRESS syndrome with and without myocardial involvement, with an increased emphasis on cardiac evaluation in DRESS syndrome.

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination-Induced Myopericarditis in an Otherwise Healthy Young Male: An Evidence-Based Approach to Differentiating From Perimyocarditis

A 29-year-old male, otherwise healthy with no past medical history, presented to the hospital after a two-day history of pleuritic chest pain with a fever. He had received his first dose of the mRNA-1273 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine (Moderna) two months prior without any adverse reactions. He received his second dose approximately 24 hours before symptom onset and hospital presentation. Work-up was unremarkable for respiratory, autoimmune, and rheumatological etiologies. The patient was found to have electrocardiogram features and symptoms in keeping with pericarditis, C-reactive protein elevation, and a peak high-sensitivity troponin level of 9,992 ng/L suggestive of a component of myocarditis. A dilemma arose regarding whether this patient should be diagnosed with perimyocarditis or myopericarditis, terms often used interchangeably without proper reference to the primary pathology, which can ultimately affect management. A subsequent echocardiogram was unremarkable, with a normal left ventricular systolic function, but cardiac resonance imaging revealed myocardial edema suggestive of myocarditis. Without convincing evidence for an alternative explanation after an extensive work-up of ischemic, autoimmune, rheumatological, and infectious etiologies, this patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-induced myopericarditis. The patient fully recovered after receiving a treatment course of ibuprofen and colchicine. This case explores how the diagnosis of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myopericarditis was made and treated using an evidence-based approach, highlighting its differentiation from perimyocarditis.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Does a History of Myocarditis/Perimyocarditis Affect the Outcome? A Swedish Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Acute myocarditis/perimyocarditis presents with a variable prognosis ranging from complete recovery to end-stage heart failure (HF), sudden cardiac arrest, and death. The relationship between a prior history of myocarditis/perimyocarditis and outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the SCRR (Swedish Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Registry), we analyzed 54 568 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from 2010 to 2020 where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted. Patients with a history of myocarditis/perimyocarditis were compared with those without in terms of characteristics and survival. Four hundred ninety-eight patients (0.9%) had a history of myocarditis/perimyocarditis. These patients were predominantly men (73.8%), had an average age of 68 years, displayed a higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, and more frequently displayed shockable initial rhythms (28.7% versus 23.1%). Prior myocarditis/pericarditis did not correlate with worse short-term (odds ratio [OR], 0.91 [95% CI, 0.61-1.33]) or long-term survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01 [95% CI, 0.91-1.13]). Patients with myocarditis/perimyocarditis with concomitant HF showed worse long-term survival in unadjusted analyses. Adjusted analyses confirmed that absence of HF was linked to improved short-term survival (OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.32-1.62]), whereas prevalence of HF was a predictor for worsened long-term survival (HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.91-0.95]) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Analyses were adjusted for myocarditis/perimyocarditis, sex, age, HF, time to cardiopulmonary resuscitation start, and initial rhythm.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior myocarditis/perimyocarditis per se did not contribute to a worsened outcome following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, the presence of concomitant HF was linked to unfavorable short- and long-term outcomes.

A Case Series of Myocarditis Related to the COVID-19 Vaccine

Perimyocarditis related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is one of the rare adverse events that emerged in April 2021 and then the number of cases commensurably increased as the number of vaccinated people rose. This is a case series of myocarditis/pericarditis related to the messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine in which we identified four cases with different presentations and outcomes. A short-term follow-up period of five months revealed a full recovery of three cases within one to 12 weeks and persistent left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the fourth case which will require further follow-up to assess long-term outcomes.

C71. Perimyocarditis related Corona Virus Disease: A Case Report

Background

One of the ongoing outbreaks is the SARS-COV2 with clinical manifestations are dominated by pulmonary symptoms. However, some patients have reported mild to severe cardiovascular damage¹.

Case Summary

We report a 26-year-old male with confirmed Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), who has manifestation of perimyocarditis. Diagnosis was built through clinical symptoms of fever, dyspnea, with ST elevation and PR depression on ECG, and an increase of hs-Troponin I and NT-Pro-BNP. There appeared to be a pericardial effusion on echocardiography, and an increase number of cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) during the infection. All of the perimyocarditis parameters improved when symptoms are decrease meanwhile laboratory showing improvement of inflammatory parameters (CRP, D-Dimer).

Discussion

Acute perimyocarditis is a reported cardiac complication of COVID-19¹. COVID-19 perimyocarditis associated with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade². Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities commonly seen with pericarditis, such as ST elevation and PR depression, may be observed in myocarditis³. Many COVID-19 patients were reported to have a detectable level of cardiac-Troponin-I as a result of oxygen supply–demand mismatch, which could precipitate ischemia that results in type 2 myocardial infarction. NT-pro-BNP level also could increase secondary to myocardial stress, a possible knock-on effect from severe respiratory illness⁴.

Rotavirus-Associated Myocarditis in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report

A previously healthy, 28-year-old man presented with a two-day history of diarrhea and chest pain, suggestive of infectious myocarditis. Initial workup revealed elevated troponin-I levels and diffuse ST-segment elevations on electrocardiogram (ECG). Transthoracic echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (40-45%), posteroinferior wall akinesis, and a small pericardial effusion. Stool studies were positive for rotavirus antigen via enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) were not performed due to facility limitations; however, clinical findings, troponin-I trends, and echocardiographic abnormalities supported the diagnosis of rotavirus-associated myocarditis. The patient was treated with oral rehydration, colchicine, and metoprolol, leading to symptom resolution and a decline in troponin-I levels. This case underscores the importance of considering rotavirus as a potential etiologic agent in myocarditis, even in immunocompetent adults without significant comorbidities, and highlights the need for clinicians to recognize gastrointestinal viruses as possible causes of cardiac inflammation.

Rubella myopericarditis and cardiac tamponade: a case report

A 20-year-old male patient with ulcerative proctitis presented with a fever and chest pain. He was diagnosed with rubella-associated myopericarditis due to pericardial rub, elevated troponin I, ST elevation, and positive rubella-immunoglobulin M. The patient subsequently developed cardiac tamponade but responded well to pericardial drainage and antiinflammatory therapy. Notably, he lacked the classic rubella rash and lymphadenopathy. This case highlights the rare but potential complication of rubella-induced myopericarditis with tamponade, and the importance of considering this diagnosis in the absence of typical rubella symptoms.

Demonstration of Resolution of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Over a Short Course of Antibiotics on [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT Undertaken for Suspected Perimyocarditis Evaluation

A 28-year-old male presenting with left-sided pleuritic chest pain, cough, palpitation, and fever with mild ST depression in II, III, and aVF, raised troponin I, troponin T, creatine phosphokinase-MB, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was referred for F-18 2-fluoro 2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography with noncontrast computed tomography ([ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT) to rule out perimyocarditis. The first scan revealed incidental finding of [ 18 F]FDG avid left lobar pneumonia and inadequate myocardial suppression, thus perimyocarditis could not be ruled out. The clinician was informed and after counseling, patient consented for a repeat study post-high fat-low carbohydrate diet. A regional [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT on the 5th day revealed adequate myocardial suppression, ruling out perimyocarditis. However, the metabolic and anatomical resolution of previously noted left lobar pneumonia was also observed in such a span of time with the administered antibiotics.

Scrub Typhus Complicated With Fulminant Perimyocarditis

A 62-year-old woman with no systemic disease presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute febrile illness for three days. During her ED course, she developed respiratory distress and refractory cardiogenic shock with ST-elevation on electrocardiography. No occluded coronary vessel was found in angiography, and perimyocarditis was impressed. The serum indirect immunofluorescence assay was positive for scrub typhus. Hemopericardium and subsequently intracranial hemorrhage occurred on the 4th hospital day even under intensive care, and the patient expired. Perimyocarditis is a rare but fatal complication of scrub typhus. Through this case report, we aim to convey the genuine possibility that a fulminant perimyocarditis may occur in a previously healthy adult as a potential complication of scrub typhus. By recognizing the risk factors of scrub typhus-related myocarditis, an ED physician can maintain a high index of suspicion for the cardiac complication and intervene in a timely manner.

Lymphocytic Perimyocarditis Masquerading as Steroid-Dependent Recurrent Pericarditis

Lymphocytic myocarditis is a pattern of myocardial inflammation typically associated with viral, autoimmune, or idiopathic causes. We present a case of lymphocytic perimyocarditis masquerading as steroid-dependent recurrent pericarditis. This case shows the advantages of using multimodal cardiac imaging and endomyocardial biopsy in clarifying diagnosis in treatment-resistant cases. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Perimyocarditis Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Patient prognoses have been significantly enhanced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), altering the standard of care in cancer treatment. These novel antibodies have become a mainstay of care for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) patients. Several types of adverse events related to ICIs have been identified and documented as a result of the launch of these innovative medicines. We present here a 74-year-old female patient with a stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab, who developed perimyocarditis two weeks after receiving the third cycle of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The patient was diagnosed using troponin levels, computed tomography (CT) angiography, and echocardiography. After hospitalization, her cardiac condition was successfully resolved with corticosteroids, colchicine, and symptomatic treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the rarest cases to be reported of perimyocarditis as a toxicity of immunotherapy in a patient treated for adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Association between immune checkpoint inhibitors and cardiovascular risks: a nationwide self-controlled case series study

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used for cancer treatment but are linked to potential cardiotoxicity. The time-dependent effects of ICIs on cardiovascular outcomes remain unclear. This study explores associations between ICI use and cardiovascular events. This self-controlled case series (SCCS) analyzed cancer patients who received ICIs from January 2019 to December 2020 using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Exposure periods were defined as the duration of ICI prescriptions plus 90 days. Poisson regression estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for heart failure (primary outcome) and arterial events or perimyocarditis (secondary outcomes) during and after ICI exposure compared to baseline. Among 1,146 ICI users, 15 developed heart failure, 33 experienced arterial events, and 11 had perimyocarditis. Cardiovascular events were uncommon but showed elevated risks for heart failure (IRR: 7.73; CI: 2.05-29.14, P<0.01) and perimyocarditis (IRR: 8.25; CI: 1.60-42.50, P = 0.01) within 30 days of ICI exposure. Subgroup analysis identified higher risks in patients aged ≥65, males, and those with diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, when focusing on patients who received more than two doses of ICIs or exclusively anti-PD-1 inhibitors, we observed a similarly increased risk of HF within 30 days post-exposure. Collectively, ICI exposure significantly elevates the risk of heart failure and perimyocarditis within 30 days, particularly in older adults and those with preexisting cardiovascular risk factors.

Perimyocarditis: An Unusual Manifestation of Dengue Virus Infection

Dengue is a febrile viral illness transmitted by Aedes Aegypti mosquito, presenting with a range of clinical features including a mild febrile illness to a life-threatening hemorrhagic fever or shock syndrome. Additionally, dengue fever can present with atypical features with the involvement of multiple organ systems including the heart. Here, we report a case of a 35-year-old female with dengue fever who presented with chest pain and dyspnea and was diagnosed with perimyocarditis.

Septic perimyocarditis due to a right-sided infective endocarditis of atypical morphology in a 33-year-old woman

Perimyocarditis should be considered in patients with endocarditis not improving with conventional therapy and without typical valvular abnormalities. Vegetations can be sited anywhere in the atrium or ventricle and exhibit multiple shapes.