Dengue Fever with Acute Myocarditis: A Case Report.

Abstract

Background
Dengue, caused by an arbovirus, produces a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from mild fever to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, with potential involvement of the hepatic, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. Myocarditis is an increasingly recognised but underreported cardiac complication of dengue, and evidence on its true incidence remains limited due to its variable clinical presentation.

Case Report

A 29-year-old woman presented with acute febrile illness and thrombocytopenia; dengue serology (IgM and IgG) was positive and dengue infection was confirmed by RT-PCR. Electrocardiography revealed sinus bradycardia (45 bpm) with ventricular ectopics, while cardiac biomarkers (Troponin I and T) and echocardiographic ejection fraction (65%) remained normal. The patient was managed conservatively and was discharged, hemodynamically stable, five days after admission.

Conclusion
Myocarditis should be considered a potential complication of dengue fever even when cardiac biomarkers are normal. Routine electrocardiographic screening in dengue patients may support early detection of cardiac involvement and help prevent life-threatening outcomes.