Pediatric Heart Infections

Children with endocarditis often display symptoms related to the underlying cause of the infection, such as fever, persistent cough, achy joints and/or fatigue. Other signs may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Cyanosis (bluish appearance of the skin, lips and/or fingernails) or paleness
• Development of a heart murmur
• Fluid retention or swelling

To confirm or rule out the presence of endocarditis, a cardiologist may use one or several of the following diagnostic tools:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG), which uses electrodes to measure the electrical activity of the heart
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), an echocardiogram performed using a scope to provide a clearer, more precise image of the heart
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan, which takes pictures of the heart using X-ray waves
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which takes pictures of the heart using a machine with a large magnet

If a bacterial infection is the underlying cause, the endocarditis will likely go away with antibiotic treatment. In severe cases, where endocarditis has caused heart damage, valve repair or replacement may be necessary.

Myocarditis is very rare in young children. Older children and teenagers with myocarditis often display symptoms related to the underlying cause of the infection, such as fever, achy joints and/or fatigue. Other signs may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Cyanosis (bluish appearance of the skin, lips and/or fingernails) or paleness
• Chest pain
• Fluid retention or swelling

To confirm or rule out the presence of endocarditis, a cardiologist may use one or several of the following diagnostic tools:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG), which uses electrodes to measure the electrical activity of the heart
• Cardiac catheterization, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small, flexible tube to examine the heart
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan, which takes pictures of the heart using X-ray waves
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which takes pictures of the heart using a machine with a large magnet

Myocarditis often improves without treatment. In some cases, it may be necessary to treat the underlying infection. For example, in cases where myocarditis is caused by bacteria, a cardiologist may recommend antibiotics.

Children with pericarditis usually experience chest pain. They may also display symptoms related to the underlying cause of the infection, such as fever and/or fatigue.

To confirm or rule out the presence of pericarditis, a cardiologist may use one or several of the following diagnostic tools:

• Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart
• Electrocardiogram (EKG), which uses electrodes to measure the electrical activity of the heart
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan, which takes pictures of the heart using X-ray waves
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which takes pictures of the heart using a machine with a large magnet

Pericarditis often improves without treatment. In some cases, it may be necessary to treat the underlying infection with prescription medication. More severe cases of pericarditis may require interventional or surgical treatment.