Unusual case of myocardial injury induced by Escherichia coli sepsis

Abstract

The typical symptoms and signs of myocardial infarction are well known. Alterations in electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography or biochemical markers of myocardial necrosis are usually helpful to confirm the diagnosis. Some of these features, however, also occur in myocarditis, which is a potential differential diagnosis. We describe an unusual case of bacterial sepsis due to Escherichia coli that caused myocardial damage (myocarditis) with ECG changes mimicking acute myocardial infarction. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial injury in sepsis are also reviewed.

Keywords

• myocarditis
• myocardial injury
• myocardial dysfunction
• endotoxin
• lipopolysaccharide
• sepsis
• septic heart
• cardiac troponins