Cardiogenic shock associated with acute norovirus gastroenteritis: what is needed to prove causality?

Abstract

Acute myocarditis is a well-recognized condition attributable to a variety of viral illnesses. Common viral aetiologies include enteroviruses including coxsackie, adenovirus, influenza, echovirus, parvovirus B19 and herpesvirus. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt management with supportive anti-failure measures, and in selected cases immunosuppressive therapies including high-dose steroids, might be considered for better outcomes. The authors report a case of sudden onset of acute heart failure complicated by cardiogenic shock caused by viral myocarditis in a patient who initially presented with norovirus gastroenteritis. She had no previous cardiac history or significant cardiovascular risk factors. Prompt medical management for cardiogenic shock for norovirus-induced myocarditis was started, her symptoms gradually improved, and she was discharged safely on regular follow-up.

Keywords

• myocarditis
• gastroenteritis
• enteric viruses
• norovirus