youA case study by cardiologists at the Hospital Central da Universidade de São João, in Porto, identified a relationship between Monkeypox and the development of acute myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.
According to the study, published in the journal JACC: Case Reports, four cardiology specialists followed a 31-year-old individual who was diagnosed with Monkeypox at the Central Hospital of the University of São João. The man complained of being ill for five days. The patient later returned to the hospital with chest pain that radiated to his left arm.
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In addition to the pustules on the body, the man had symptoms of acute myocarditis and acute coronary syndrome. The patient was hospitalized and underwent tests to assess his condition.
Echocardiogram showed abnormalities and lab tests revealed elevated levels of C-reactive protein, in addition to creatine phosphokinase, troponin and cerebral natriuretic peptide, which increase or occur with stress injury to the heart.
Finally, the specialists subjected the patient to cardiac magnetic resonance, which revealed inflammation of the myocardium and the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. “Viral myocarditis is often presumed when it is accompanied by a clinical picture of febrile illness, myalgias and malaise, followed by a rapid onset of cardiac symptoms,” explains Ana Isabel Pinho, one of the doctors who analyzed the case and lead author of the study.
The specialist also warns that this type of myocarditis can develop an even more complex picture. “The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease, ranging from acute myocarditis that resolves within weeks or may progress to persistent cardiac dysfunction.”
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It is recalled that, given the extent of the epidemic in more than 70 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a global emergency. Despite the lack of consensus among members of the emergency committee, the decision was announced on July 23 by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The number of confirmed cases of Monkeypox virus infection in Portugal has risen to 871, 25 more than the total recorded last week, the Directorate General for Health (DGS) announced on Thursday September 1st.
What to do if you have symptoms of Monkeypox:
The DGS recommends that anyone with ulcerative lesions, rashes, palpable lymph nodes, possibly accompanied by fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, seek medical attention and avoid contact close with others. Regular hand hygiene is also recommended.
The monkeypox virus was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a smallpox-like disease occurred in research colonies of monkeys.
The first human case of infection was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during a period of increased efforts to eradicate smallpox. Since then, several countries in Central and West Africa have reported cases.
Although the disease does not require specific treatment, the smallpox vaccine, antivirals and vaccinia immunoglobulins can be used for prevention and treatment. The incubation time is generally 7 to 14 days and the disease, endemic in West and Central Africa, lasts an average of 2 to 4 weeks.
Read also : UK identifies new strain of Monkeypox
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