Fulminant myocarditis caused by Legionella pneumophila: case report

Rev Port Cardiol. 2014 Mar;33(3):185.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.repc.2013.09.014. Epub 2014 Mar 20.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Myocarditis is defined as inflammation of the myocardium. The clinical manifestations of myocarditis vary from flu-like symptoms to fatal fulminant forms. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock caused by fulminant myocarditis. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used as a bridge to recovery. Etiological study revealed Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 infection. Recovery of biventricular function was seen after treatment with azithromycin.

Keywords: Cardiogenic shock; Choque cardiogénico; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Legionella pneumophila; Membrana de oxigenação extracorporal; Miocardite; Myocarditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Legionnaires' Disease*
  • Myocarditis / microbiology*