Congenital toxoplasmic myocarditis: case report of an unusual presentation

Abstract

Extensive calcification of the heart, involving predominantly the right ventricle and interventricular septum, was observed in a 3-h-old baby. The aetiology of the condition was attributed to infection by Toxoplasma gondii, based on the presence of several visceral lesions allied to the identification of the microorganism. The case is reported in view of the rarity of the type of the heart lesion. It is considered that calcification of the myocardium is secondary to vascular, inflammatory or toxic condition. The factors implicated in the pathogenesis of this unusual myocardial lesion are discussed.

Prenatal echocardiographic differential diagnosis of fetal cardiac tumors

“…In addition to echogenic foci, the differential diagnosis of a calcified mass includes congenital calcification or infection, such as toxoplasmosis. However, congenital calcification of the atrioventricular node would be associated with heart block 21 , and toxoplasmosis would lead to diffuse calcification 22 . Veldtman et al 23 reported three cases of masses in the septum thought to be rhabdomyomas prenatally, which were then confirmed to be dystrophic myocardial calcification by histology.…”

Th-Symmetrical Hexakisadducts of C60 with a Densely Packed π-Donor Shell Can Act as Energy- or Electron-Transducing Systems

“…In addition to echogenic foci, the differential diagnosis of a calcified mass includes congenital calcification or infection, such as toxoplasmosis. However, congenital calcification of the atrioventricular node would be associated with heart block21, and toxoplasmosis would lead to diffuse calcification22. Veldtman et al 23 reported three cases of masses in the septum thought to be rhabdomyomas prenatally, which were then confirmed to be dystrophic myocardial calcification by histology.…”

Prenatal diagnosis of cardiac osteoma: a case report

“…It is important to differentiate the nature of the cardiac mass as it may be a maker of systemic disease, e.g., rhabodmyoma in tuberous sclerosis (Crawford et al, 1983) and calcification in toxoplasmosis (Garcia et al, 1985), which require different investigation and counselling.…”

“…However, congenital calcification of the atrioventricular node would be associated with heart block (Bridge et al, 1989) and toxoplasmosis would have diffuse calcification (Garcia et al, 1985).…”