Acute Non-Rheumatic Myopericarditis: A Rare Complication of Pharyngitis

Acute non-rheumatic streptococcal myopericarditis (ANRSM) is a rare complication of an upper airway infection by streptococcus group A in developed countries. Cardiac involvement in bacterial infections must be adequately treated because it can lead to long-term complications. This case report describes recurrent ANRSM in an 18-year-old man, which illustrates how difficult and challenging the diagnosis of this disease can be. LEARNING POINTS: In developed countries, acute non-rheumatic streptococcal myopericarditis is a rare complication of an upper airway infection by streptococcus group A and can mimic acute myocardial infection with ST elevation. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a recent upper airway infection by streptococcus group A in the absence of a rheumatic setting. Cardiac imaging (mainly ultrasound and magnetic resonance) plays a major role in making the diagnosis. Prognosis is very good when appropriate treatment with antibiotics and non-steroidal inflammatory drugs is provided.