A patient with visceral larva migrans may have cardiac involvement which can be serious.
Toxocara species: Toxocara canis or catis
Manifestations:
(1) myocarditis, which can be eosinophilic
(2) pericarditis, which can cause tamponade
(3) Loeffler's endocarditis (with endomyocardial fibrosis)
Cardiogenic shock can occur in severe/fulminant myocarditis.
Diagnostic features:
(1) eosinophilia in peripheral blood and pericardial fluid
(2) Toxocara antibodies
Therapy usually involves antiparasitic medication plus corticosteroids.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Cardiology
