A case of neonatal fulminant myocarditis with dystrophic calcification: Usefulness of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

ABSTRACT

Dystrophic calcification is a rare but fatal complication associated with severe myocarditis. Detecting calcified lesions and evaluating ventricular function are essential for the management of myocarditis. We report a case of neonatal acute myocarditis with dystrophic calcification successfully assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The calcification spontaneously resolved, and the recovery of myocardial function was evaluated by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Speckle-tracking echocardiography could be a useful method to evaluate regional ventricular dysfunction corresponding to dystrophic calcification as well as that caused by myocarditis and the follow-up because of its repeatability. Learning objective: 1) Dystrophic calcification can occur as a rare complication associated with severe myocarditis. 2) Dystrophic calcification can spontaneously resolve with the recovery of myocardial function. 3) Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a useful tool for the evaluation of the extent of and myocardial function in dystrophic calcification and the follow-up.