Case report Myocarditis in a cachectic female, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs abuser, in a course of progressive systemic sclerosis

Abstract

A case of 70-year-old cachectic female, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs abuser, with progressive systemic sclerosis, who was admitted to our hospital due to joint pain and fatigue is presented. During hospitalisation the patient developed symptoms of acute myocarditis. Angiography of coronary arteries did not reveal narrowing of the vessels. Alimentary supplementation and therapy for heart failure (diuretics, vasodilators, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and beta-blocker) were used. In repeated echocardiography examinations ejection fraction systematically improved and hemodynamic stabilisation was obtained. Scleroderma, malnutrition, toxicity of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs and infectious agents were considered as a cause of myocarditis.