Ultra-early myocardial calcification secondary to fulminant myocarditis with 4 years of follow-up: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Early myocardial calcifications secondary to fulminant myocarditis (FM) are rare, and their natural evolution and effects on cardiac function are poorly understood. Here, we followed the patient for 4 years to observe the development of cardiac calcification and its impact on heart function. Case summary A 16-year-old man was hospitalized with a fever and cough for 1 day. The patient was previously healthy and had no history of heart disease or specific family conditions. The patient was positive for anti-Epstein–Barr virus IgG and IgM. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed no coronary lesions. Cardiogenic shock and recurrent ventricular fibrillation developed on the third day after admission, and the patient received rescue therapy such as endotracheal intubation, defibrillation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and corticosteroids. On the 13th day of admission, a CT scan revealed significant calcification in the left ventricular wall. The patient was discharged after 30 days in the hospital. After discharge, his left ventricular calcification peaked at 6 months and gradually subsided after that, and his left ventricular function slowly returned to normal at 12 months. Discussion In younger patients, myocardial calcifications secondary to FM may occur as early as 13 days and affect cardiac function. After proper treatment and rehabilitation, the patient’s myocardial calcification can gradually subside and the cardiac function can gradually recover. For FM patients, timely and comprehensive intensive treatment, including heart, lung, and kidney replacement therapy and early administration of hormone preparations, may be beneficial to the early recovery of patients.