Cardiac evaluation in adults with dengue virus infection by serial echocardiography

Abstract

Background Dengue virus infection (DVI) is a major health problem in many parts of the world. Its manifestations range from asymptomatic infections to severe disease. Although cardiac involvement has been reported in DVI, its incidence has not yet been well established. Methods From July 2016 to January 2018, patients hospitalized at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, with dengue virus infection confirmed by positive NS1 or positive dengue immunoglobulin M findings, participated in the study. We characterized the incidence and change in cardiac function by serial echocardiography and levels of troponin-T and creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) on the day of admission, the day of defervescence, the first day of hypotension (if any), and at 2-week follow-up. Results Of the 81 patients evaluated, 6 (7.41%) exhibited elevated biomarker levels. There was no difference in clinical presentation amongst dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) except the amount of bleeding. Cardiac involvement was found in 22% of patients: 3 (3.70%) had left ventricular systolic dysfunction, 3 (3.70%) had transient diastolic dysfunction, 6 (7.41%) had increased levels of at least one cardiac biomarker (troponin-T or CK-MB), and 6 (7.41%) had small pericardial effusion. Myocarditis was suspected in only two patient (with DHF); thus, myocarditis was uncommon in patients with dengue virus infection. Three patients developed DSS during admission and transfer to the intensive care unit. Conclusion Cardiac involvement in adults with dengue infection was found in 22.22% of cases, ranging from elevated cardiac biomarker, transient left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion. We found that DHF was the significant risk factor for cardiac involvement (p < 0.001). Abnormalities in cardiac function had resolved spontaneously by the day of follow-up without specific treatment.