A Rare Complication of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: A Case Report with Myopericarditis

Acute myocarditis usually develops after viral infections and is often asymptomatic. However, pericarditis can accompany it. Myopericarditis due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is very rare. A 16-year-old male presented with severe chest pain. Cardiac enzymes were elevated and electrocardiographic examination revealed widespread decreased voltage and ST-T changes on the DII, DIII, aVF, V5, and V6 leads. Left ventricular systolic functions were normal and pericardial effusion was present on echocardiographic evaluation. EBV-VCA IgM and EBV-PCR were positive; EBV myopericarditis was diagnosed in the patient. The patient responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory therapy and recovered completely. Myopericarditis should be considered in the differential diagnosis while evaluating patients with chest pain. The Epstein-Barr virus should be kept in mind even though it rarely causes myopericarditis.