Neonatal myocardial infarction or myocarditis?

Pediatr Cardiol. 2011 Apr;32(4):492-7. doi: 10.1007/s00246-010-9865-8. Epub 2011 Jan 8.

Abstract

We report a 29 week-gestation preterm infant who presented during his second week of life with cardiogenic shock. Clinical presentation and first diagnostics suggested myocardial infarction, but echocardiographic features during follow-up pointed to a diagnosis of enteroviral myocarditis. The child died of chronic heart failure at 9 months of age. Autopsy showed passed myocardial infarction. No signs for active myocarditis were found. We discuss the difficulties in differentiating between neonatal myocardial infarction and myocarditis. Recognizing enteroviral myocarditis as cause for cardiogenic shock is of importance because of the therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Vessels / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Myocarditis / diagnosis*