New Delhi, Sep 3 : In an unprecedented case, a 31-year old male with confirmed monkeypox suffered from acute myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) about a week after the first onset of symptoms associated with monkeypox, scientists have reported.According to a case study that was published in the journal JACC: Case Reports, the patient went to an health clinic for five days following the appearance of symptoms of monkeypox, which included myalgia, malaise, fever and multiple swelling lesions on the hands, face and genitalia.A
Positive monkeypox was confirmed with the use of a PCR Swab sample of an abrasion on the skin.The patient went to the emergency department three days following complaining of chest tightness radiating into the left arm.
Myocarditis has been previously associated with smallpox disease which is a more aggressive virus.The authors of the case study said that “by extrapolation the monkeypox virus may have a specific affinity for myocardium tissue or cause an immune-mediated injury to the heart”.
“Through this crucial research study, we’re building an understanding of monkeypox and viral myocarditis and how to identify and treat this condition,” said Julia Grapsa the editor-in-chief of JACC: Case Reports.
“The the authors of this research have utilized CMR mapping, an extensive imaging instrument, to assist with the identification of myocarditis.
I congratulate the authors for this important clinical case at an extremely critical moment as the disease continues to spread throughout the world,” Grapsa said.
The outcomes of the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) test performed for the patient was in line with myocardial inflammation as well as an indication of acute myocarditis.
“This case highlights the involvement of the heart as a possible complication with monkeypox infections,” said Ana Isabel Pinho from the department of cardiology at Sao Joao University Hospital Centre in Portugal and the lead researcher of the study.
“We believe that revealing this possible causal link can increase consciousness of scientists as well as health specialists about acute myocarditis, which is a possible concomitant with monkeypox.” PInho added.
The patient was released after a week with an all-round recovery.
The authors stated that further investigation is needed to establish the connection between monkeypox and heart injuries.
Monkeypox can be transmitted through the close contact with lesions and bodily fluids as well as respiratory droplets.
In addition to the rash symptoms can include chills, fever swelling of lymph nodes muscular aches and respiratory symptoms.
Most infections are not serious, and signs can last for two and four weeks.
More than 50,000 cases of monkeypox have been documented in the worldwide outbreak.
The World Health Organization lists 50,496 cases and 16 deaths recorded this year.
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