Acute myocarditis in a patient with exertional heat illness: A rare association

Abstract

Introduction: Exertional heat illness (EHI) is common in hot weather among young athletes, outdoor manual workers and military personnel. EHI can involve multiple organs of the body, including the muscles, kidneys and brain; however, myocardium involvement is infrequent. Materials and methods: We present the case of a 26-year-old male construction worker who worked outdoors in a hot arid environment. He presented with acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis and was diagnosed with EHI. During his hospital stay, he developed complete heart block, and cardiac MRI showed features of myocarditis. Work-up to identify other aetiologies of myocarditis was normal. This case highlights the effects of EHI on the myocardium. Conclusion: It is important to keep in mind the various effects of EHI on the myocardium. Myocarditis due to EHI is rare, and conduction defects resulting from it might persist, necessitating specialist intervention.