Complications of atrial fibrillation in chlamydial myocarditis

Overview

This article presents the case of a patient with pulmonary oedema, severe hypotension, and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response on ECG. A severe segmental hypocontractility with global ejection fraction of LV 23 % was found on echocardiography. In the absence of acute coronary syndrome these findings were considered as an acute myocarditis. Chlamydia pneumoniae was confirmed serologically as an aetiological agent. Following pharmacological restoration of sinus rhythm, an embolization in the brain and the left femoral artery occurred. A successful embolectomy was performed. A tiny residue persists after the cerebral vascular event, and a significant repair of ejection fraction of LV was confirmed on echocardiography together with an improvement in clinical condition.

Key words:
atrial fibrillation, myocarditis, embolism, Chlamydia pneumoniae.