Fatal myocarditis secondary to Salmonella septicemia in a young adult

Abstract

A 29-year-old white male with a recent history of gastroenteritis sustained a cardiac arrest at home. He was found to be in ventricular fibrillation and could not be resuscitated. Pathologic findings included focal aggregates of histiocytes, lymphocytes and occasional neutrophils in the myocardium as well as inflammatory changes in the colon, liver, and spleen. Blood cultures were positive for Salmonella heidelberg. The patient was seen 3 times by emergency departments prior to his demise. Death from Salmonella is rare except when associated with septicemia. The severity of illness and prognosis are often related to the site of infection and underlying disease processes.