Fatal visceral larva migrans from Toxocara catis infection of the heart and liver in a child

Abstract

We discuss the pathophysiology and epidemiology of Toxocara catis infection complicated by visceral larval migrans . We describe a previously healthy 19-month-old white male child found dead in bed by his mother. He had what was thought to be an upper respiratory infection for several days.The child had eosinophilic hepatitis and myocarditis complicating visceral larval migrans due to Toxocara catis infection from the family cat. We discuss the pathologic and clinical aspects of visceral larval migrans due to of Toxocara catis infection.

Keywords: Case report; Cat; Roundworm; Sudden cardiac death; Toxocara catis infection; Toxocariasis; Visceral larva migrans.