Rhinovirus-associated dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Rhinovirus is the main cause of the common cold. There is little to no published literature of rhinoviral associated myocarditis. We report a rare case of rhinovirus infection in a patient with myocarditis leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. Infection is an established cause of myocarditis. Prodromal “flu-like” symptoms in a young patient with unexplained heart failure should raise concern for viral myocarditis. Diagnosis is often made by clinical presentation and not by endomyocardial biopsy due to invasiveness. Polymerase chain reaction is a rapid test that supports the diagnosis and may elucidate the role of the virus in myocarditis. Defining causes and mechanisms leading to this severe cardiovascular condition may prove critical to targeted therapy. Physician should be aware that rhinovirus as a possible pathogen for severe myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Keywords: Rhinovirus, Acute myocarditis, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Acute decompensated heart failure, Etiology