PARVOVIRUS B19 INDUCED MYOCARDITIS, SIMULATING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium associated with mechanical or electrical dysfunctions that usually lead to inappropriate ventricular dilatation or hypertrophy. A number of inciting factors are known to cause myocarditis- genetic defects, viruses, bacteria, parasites, granulomatous inflammations, collagen vascular disorders, chemotherapeutic agents- to name a few. Among the viruses, Adenovirus, Coxsackie virus, Human Herpes virus six and Parvovirus B19 are the encountered pathogens. We hereby present a case of a 14 years old boy who presented with typical cardiac chest pain associated with electrocardiographic changes of ST segment elevation MI in theinferior leads. Cardiac biomarkers were elevated, adding to the diagnostic confusion of MI. On subjecting the patient to a coronary angiography, his arteries were found to be patent, directing us towards the diagnosis of myocarditis. After getting a cardiac MRI and serum tests, the diagnosis of fulminant myocarditis induced by Parvovirus B19 was made. Fortunately, the patient survived on inotropes and other supportive therapy which helped him overcome the cardiac failure.