Inflammation of the heart muscle caused by monkeypox
Infection with the Affenpockenvirus can develop a acute myocarditis entail. Inflammation of the heart muscle should be considered as a possible complication associated with monkeypox.
In a recent case study involving experts from Sao Joao University Hospital Center in Portugal, a 31-year-old man is reported to have had a acute myocarditis developed. The case report was published in the English-language journal “JACC: Case Reports” released.
Man suffering from symptoms of monkeypox
According to the team, the affected person came five days after the appearance of Symptoms of monkeypox infection to the clinic. Symptoms included malaise, myalgia, fever, and multiple swollen lesions on the face, hands, and genitals.
A monkeypox infection was confirmed by a PCR swab. Three days later, the patient went to the emergency room again and reported a tightness in the chestwhich in the radiated left arm.
After the usual routine examinations, the patient was finally diagnosed with clinical suspicion of a acute myocarditis admitted to the intensive care unit.
Evidence of stress damage to the heart
The initial ECG showed sinus rhythm with nonspecific ventricular repolarization abnormalities, and routine laboratory evaluations revealed elevated levels of C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), high-sensitivity troponin I, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), all related to one stress damage to the heart can point out, according to the team.
After a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was performed, the results indicated a inflammation of the heart muscle eventually the diagnosis became one acute myocarditis placed.
In the case study, so-called CMR mapping was also used, a comprehensive imaging method to support the diagnosis of myocarditis
Better understanding of monkeypox
„This case highlights that cardiac involvement can be a potential complication associated with monkeypox infection‘” said the study author Dr. Ana Isabel Pinho in a press release.
„Through this important case study, we are developing a deeper understanding of monkeypox, viral myocarditis, and the precise diagnosis and treatment of this disease“, added Dr. Julia Grapsathe editor-in-chief of JACC: Case Reports.
The case report can raise awareness among the scientific community and healthcare professionals of acute myocarditis as a possible complication associated with monkeypox, he hopes Dr. Pine.
Close monitoring of those affected may also help to identify other potential complications, adds the doctor.
Increasing number of infections
The monkeypox virus belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. while kicking blistering rash on hands, feet, face, genitals and other parts of the body. Monkeypox was first detected in May 2022 in the EU, the United States and other non-endemic countries, and the number of infections has been increasing ever since.
Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or airborne droplets. In addition to the typical skin rash, other symptoms can indicate the disease. These include Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodesdifficulty breathing and muscle pain, according to the team.
Most infections from monkeypox run quite mildlysymptoms occurring for a period of two to four weeks can stop. Under certain circumstances, however, there is also a risk of more serious complications as a result of the infection, as the current case report shows.
The disease can result in myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, which has already been shown in previous studies with others The viral infection such as smallpox infection or COVID-19.
Patient discharged healthy after one week
However, the good news is that in the current case report, the team said the patient returned after just one week of inpatient treatment fully recovered could be released.
The researchers conclude that further studies are now needed to analyze the connection between monkeypox and heart damage in more detail. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- American College of Cardiology: Monkeypox Has Potential to Cause Heart Problems (veröffentlicht 02.09.2022), American College of Cardiology
- Ana Isabel Pinho, Marta Braga, Mariana Vasconcelos, Cátia Oliveira, Luís Daniel Santos, et al.: Acute Myocarditis – a new manifestation of Monkeypox infection?; in: JACC: Case Reports (veröffentlicht 02.09.2022), JACC: Case Reports
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.