Trichinella spiralis-associated myocarditis mimicking acute myocardial infarction.
Acta Clin Belg
; 77(1): 147-152, 2022 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32627690
BACKGROUND: Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella, and its principal mode of transmission is the consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated meat. Cardiac involvement in trichinellosis is unusual, yet it represents the most frequent cause of death. Here, we report a case in which Trichinella spiralis-associated myocarditis simulated a myocardial infarction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old African man with no previous medical history was admitted to the emergency department for acute substernal discomfort at rest described as a pressure with no radiation. The electrocardiogram performed upon admission showed non-specific alterations of repolarization. Blood biology revealed high levels of troponin T and predominant eosinophilic leukocytosis. A transthoracic echocardiography was carried out and found a significant left ventricular concentric hypertrophy with a preserved ejection fraction. The septal and inferior walls, as well as the endocardium were hyperechogenic. The patient was hospitalized for eosinophilic myocarditis. The cause of hypereosinophilia was investigated, and a Trichinella spiralis serology came back strongly positive. A diagnosis of Trichinella spiralis associated-myocarditis was made.The patient was treated with albendazole-prednisolone dual therapy with favorable clinical and biological outcomes. CONCLUSION: The clinical suspicion of trichinellosis is based on suggestive epidemiology associated with the typical clinical presentation and the presence of eosinophilia. Eosinophilic myocarditis is a severe complication of trichinellosis which can result in death due to rhythm disorders. Chest pain, increase in troponins, and electrocardiographic abnormalities are all elements that can mimic a myocardial infarction and mislead clinicians.Abbreviations: ANCA: Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies; ANA: Anti-Nuclear Antibodies; ECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; ECG: Electrocardiogram; ELISA: Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay; EMF: Endomyocardial Fibrosis; ES: Excretory-Secretory; ICT: International Commission on Trichinellosis; MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Triquinelosis
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Trichinella spiralis
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Infarto del Miocardio
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Miocarditis
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Animals
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Acta Clin Belg
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Bélgica
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido