FATAL MYOCARDITIS IN AN ADOLESCENT CAUSED BY COXSACKIE VIRUS, GROUP B, TYPE FOUR

Abstract

A fatal case of myocarditis apparently due to Coxsackie virus, group B, type 4, occurring in a 13-year-old girl has been presented. This is the first reported fatal case beyond 2 years of age. Isolation of the virus from the pericardial fluid and the presence of a high homologous serum neutralizing antibody titer strongly suggested the diagnosis. Although generally considered to be a benign entity in older children and adults, myocarditis due to Coxsackie virus may be fatal.