Showing posts with label viral myocarditis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label viral myocarditis. Show all posts

Sunday, 7 August 2011

Cases Beyond Doctors' Reach

There are several cases where doctors are challenged by difficult cases which need a lot of patience, expertise, teamwork, in order to treat patients. I want you to watch some videos which will make you think twice about whether you are indeed fit to be a doctor.

Treeman - papilloma virus infection resulting in skin disease (numerous warts)

Elephant Man - diagnosed with neurofibromatosis at age 4.

Heart beats outside the body in an infant

Crystals in the eye of a girl

Little girl with additional limbs

Harlequin ichthyosis in an infant - thickening of the fetal skin

Viral myocarditis

Thursday, 24 February 2011

Viral infection of the heart (viral myocarditis)

Case study: A 49-year old lady suffered a viral infection for about 3 weeks before she succumbed to a fatal acute viral myocarditis. Discuss her case in the light of technological advances we have today to diagnose her cause of death.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Myocarditis may occur after a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection, such as diphtheria, rheumatic fever, or tuberculosis.


Myocarditis is an important and often unrecognized cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It is defined as inflammation of the heart muscle that may be identified by clinical or histopathologic criteria. 

Recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected myocarditis include improved histologic criteria and use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

Treatment for myocarditis includes evaluation and treatment of the underlying cause of the inflammation. Treatment may require use of antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is the cause, and medications to relieve pain and inflammation. Lifestyle changes, including increased rest and a low-salt diet, may be part of the treatment.

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