Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis Associated With Myocarditis and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Abstract

We present 3 cases at a single institution of human monocytic ehrlichiosis resulting in myocarditis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Contrary to previously published studies in which case fatalities were only as high as 1%, 2 of the 3 patients we discuss experienced a fulminant course resulting in death despite appropriate doxycycline treatment. Human monocytic ehrlichiosis is rarely a cause of myocarditis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, but a high degree of suspicion is important because early empirical therapy may decrease morbidity and mortality. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Keywords

• cardiomyopathy
• echocardiography
• electrocardiogram