Acute Myopericarditis caused by Human Metapneumovirus

Infect Chemother. 2016 Mar;48(1):36-40. doi: 10.3947/ic.2016.48.1.36. Epub 2016 Mar 31.

Abstract

Human metapneumovirus is known to be similar to respiratory syncytial virus. Because of an incomplete protective immune response to new genotypes, re-infection occurs frequently, especially in the elderly. However, the clinical manifestations of human metapneumovirus need to be further characterized in adults. A 73-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with acute dyspnea, chest discomfort and influenza-like illness. The patient was diagnosed with human metapneumovirus infection, complicated by pneumonia and myopericarditis. With supportive care including oxygen supplementation, the patient recovered completely without any serious sequelae. Human metapneumovirus infection may contribute to the development of cardiovascular manifestations, particularly in the elderly population.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Metapneumovirus; Myocarditis; Pericarditis.