Pericarditis and Perimyocarditis Associated with Active Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection

Abstract

In 13 patients an association existed from 1970-73 between M. pneumoniae infection and acute pericarditis (8) or perimyocarditis (5). In 12 patients the association was moderately probable, with a 4-fold rise in complement-fixing antibody titers between acute and convalescent phase sera being noted. In the last patient a lesser-order association was found using only convalsecent phase serum. The presence of influenza, herpes simplex, Coxsackie B or adenovirus was excluded by serologic testing. Acute illness was variable, with 4 patients developing heart failure. Long-term evaluation (mean, 47 mo.) found 8 patients asymptomatic and 3 symptomatic. Two patients died. Residual effects of the Mycoplasma infection seemed at least partially responsible in 1 compromised patient and in 1 who died. Mycoplasma infection should be considered in the presence of acute cardiovascular decompensation, especially when preceded by upper respiratory infection, and added to the possible causes of idiopathic cardiomyopathy.