Legionella pneumonia complicated by myocarditis and torsades de pointes: A case report and review of literature

Conn Med. 2013 Jun-Jul;77(6):331-4.

Abstract

Legionella infection most commonly manifests as pneumonia. Extrapulmonarylegionellosis is rare, but the clinical manifestations are often dramatic. Myocardialinvolvementis the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of legionellosis and can result in left ventricular dysfunction. We report a case of Legionellapneumopbila-induced myocarditis and acute left ventricular dysfunction with subsequent development of torsades de pointes (TdP) in a young adult with no other risk factors. Early recognition of this complication is paramount as timely initiation of appropriate antibiotics is crucial to ensure full recovery from this form of reversible carditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Legionnaires' Disease / complications*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Myocarditis / complications*
  • Myocarditis / diagnosis
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Torsades de Pointes / etiology*
  • Torsades de Pointes / physiopathology