Fatal cephalosporin-induced acute hypersensitivity myocarditis

Pediatr Cardiol. 2006 Nov-Dec;27(6):777-80. doi: 10.1007/s00246-006-1430-0. Epub 2006 Nov 16.

Abstract

A frequently fatal, although rare, side effect of cephalosporin antibiotics is noninfectious myocarditis. We report two cases of hypersensitivity myocarditis secondary to administration of cephalosporin antibiotics. In both cases, acute hypersensitivity myocarditis was not suspected clinically, and the diagnosis was made postmortem. Histology revealed intense eosinophilic infiltration of the endomyocardium with eosinophil degranulation and myocyte damage, Clinically, death in both cases was due to cardiac failure. When suspected early, appropriate management may be lifesaving.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cephalexin / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Cells / pathology
  • Myocarditis / chemically induced*
  • Myocarditis / pathology
  • Necrosis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cephalexin