Sudden death of an immunocompetent young adult caused by novel (swine origin) influenza A/H1N1-associated myocarditis

Virchows Arch. 2011 Mar;458(3):371-6. doi: 10.1007/s00428-010-1035-0. Epub 2011 Jan 14.

Abstract

The main cause of death from novel (swine origin) influenza A/H1N1 infection is acute respiratory distress syndrome. Most fatal cases are immunocompromised patients or patients with a severe underlying disease. Here, we report a fatal case of acute interstitial myocarditis associated with novel influenza A/H1N1 infection in an immunocompetent young woman. A previously healthy 18-year-old woman experienced malaise, diarrhea, and fever for several days prior to a sudden collapse at home. Autopsy revealed a predominantly lymphocytic myocarditis in the absence of a significant respiratory tract infection. Infection with novel (swine origin) influenza A/H1N1 was confirmed by PCR analysis of blood as well as myocardial tissue. Influenza-caused diarrhea with consecutive hypokalemia potentially contributed to the fatal outcome of the myocarditis, characterized by ventricular fibrillation. In conclusion, sudden death by myocarditis may be a rare complication of novel influenza A/H1N1 infection in otherwise healthy individuals, even in the absence of significant respiratory tract infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology*
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza, Human / pathology
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Myocarditis / pathology*
  • Myocarditis / virology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • DNA, Viral