# A Rare Case of Myopericarditis Following Campylobacter Gastroenteritis in an Immunocompetent Young Adult

## TL;DR

A young, healthy adult developed heart inflammation after a Campylobacter stomach infection, highlighting the need to consider cardiac issues in similar cases.

## Contribution

This case report highlights myopericarditis as a rare cardiac complication of Campylobacter gastroenteritis in an immunocompetent individual.

## Key findings

- A previously healthy young adult developed myopericarditis following Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis.
- Diagnosis was confirmed using electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, echocardiogram, and cardiac MRI.
- Conservative treatment led to full recovery, emphasizing early detection and management for favorable outcomes.

## Abstract

Myopericarditis is a rare but recognised extra-intestinal manifestation of Campylobacter jejuni infection, particularly in the absence of any underlying disease. While Campylobacter is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, its potential to cause cardiac involvement is usually underestimated.The pathogenic process is not well elucidated but is most likely to involve direct bacterial invasion, immune processes, or systemic inflammation. In the early stages, symptoms may simulate acute coronary syndromes and therefore present diagnostic challenges. We present the case of a previously healthy young adult patient who had developed myopericarditis following an episode of self-limiting Campylobacter gastroenteritis. The diagnosis was established by electrocardiography, cardiac biomarker testing, echocardiogram (ECG), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). Late gadolinium enhancement revealed sub-epicardial enhancement in the basal inferior and inferolateral segments, consistent with myopericarditis. The patient was conservatively managed with intravenous fluids, analgesia, and cardiac monitoring and made a complete recovery. This case emphasises the requirement of a strong suspicion of cardiac complications in patients presenting with chest pain following recent gastrointestinal illness. Prompt identification and adequate management can yield excellent results and prevent disastrous outcomes.