Varicella myopericarditis mimicking acute myocardial infarction with ARDS – A rare association in an immunocompetent young adult

Abstract Primary varicella infection in an immunocompetent young adult is very rare, but it has a high mortality rate due to serious complications. We report a rare association of varicella pneumonia presenting in acute respiratory distress with mild chest pain, however with electrocardiographic and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Indian heart journal 2016-09, Vol.68 (Suppl 2), p.S274-S275
Main Authors: Chaudhari, Mayuresh, Sharma, Sonu, Jha, Rajesh Kumar, Ahuja, Ramandeep Singh, Bansal, Sandeep
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Antibodies, Viral - analysis
Cardiovascular
Case Reports
Chickenpox - complications
Chickenpox - virology
Coronary Angiography
Diagnosis, Differential
Electrocardiography
Herpesvirus 3, Human - immunology
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Male
Myocardial infarction
Myocarditis - complications
Myocarditis - diagnosis
Myocarditis - virology
Myopericarditis
Pericarditis - complications
Pericarditis - diagnosis
Pericarditis - virology
Radiography, Thoracic
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult - diagnosis
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult - etiology
ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction - diagnosis
Varicella
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Summary:Abstract Primary varicella infection in an immunocompetent young adult is very rare, but it has a high mortality rate due to serious complications. We report a rare association of varicella pneumonia presenting in acute respiratory distress with mild chest pain, however with electrocardiographic and biochemical markers suggestive of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography was done to exclude infarction, serum antibody titers confirmed varicella, acyclovir was started, and ARDS was successfully treated with steroid pulse therapy and mechanical ventilator support. Early administration of antivirals and aggressive management of ARDS were thought to be necessary to overcome the potential life-threatening complications of varicella infection in adults. This case illustrates that not every MI is really MI.
ISSN:0019-4832
DOI:10.1016/j.ihj.2015.08.026