Myopericarditis as an Extra-Intestinal Manifestation of Crohn’s Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Myopericarditis is an uncommon manifestation of Crohn’s disease. Interestingly enough, it can present in a patient without any acute bowel symptoms. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old male with a medical history of Crohn’s disease and eosinophilic esophagitis presented to the hospital with chest pain and fever. Blood work revealed elevated troponin, C-reactive protein, and sedimentation rate levels. Electrocardiogram (EKG) showed diffuse ST elevation in all leads. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) demonstrated a small pericardial effusion without valvular abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with myopericarditis. Extensive etiological workup was negative, in the absence of other explanations, it was attributed to his Crohn’s disease. The patient was started on colchicine and ibuprofen. Out-patient follow-up revealed resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: This case reports the rare occurrence of myopericarditis and Crohn’s disease. Inflammatory bowel disease as a cause of myopericarditis has been reported in some cases within the literature; however, there is no definitive mechanism known.