Abstract
Background Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), classified in the Pneumoviridae family, primarily causes lower respiratory tract infections in children and immunocompromised individuals. However, rare cases have highlighted hMPV infections manifesting beyond the respiratory system, including cardiac impairment.
Case presentation We report the case of a 68-year-old man who presented at the emergency room with dyspnea and fever and who rapidly progressed to septic shock with increasing oxygen requirements, necessitating transfer to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Diagnostic evaluations comprising cardiac echocardiography and coronary angiography were utilized to confirmmyocarditis while ruling out acute myocardial infarction. Despite the implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)therapy, the patient succumbed to the illness three days after admission to the MICU. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a throat swab confirmed the diagnosis of Metapneumovirus infection, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was concurrently detected through sputum culture.
Conclusions Compared to previously reported cases of metapneumovirus-related myocarditis, this case is the first to demonstrate a notably adverse outcome associated with the concurrent presence of bacterial infection.