Diagnostic value of BNP in suspected perimyocarditis - a preliminary report
Abstract
Aim: To assess the usefulness of BNP measurement in the diagnosis of perimyocarditis.
Methods: The study group consisted of 14 consecutive patients (13 males, mean age 32.1±12.4 years) with suspected perimyocarditis (history of influenza, typical symptoms, ECG and echocardiographic results as well as myocardial necrotic markers). Plasma BNP was assessed at bedside at the time of admission.
Results: Plasma BNP, measured in 12 patients, was 163±154 pg/mL (max. 519 pg/mL) and exceeded upper normal level in 6 (50%) patients. When normal levels were adjusted for age and gender, 9 (80%) patients had elevated BNP. One patient had heart failure symptoms and a BNP level of 205 pg/mL. In all 4 patients who had transient myocardial contractility disturbances, detected by echocardiography, BNP level exceeded 100 pg/mL.
Conclusions: BNP level is increased in some patients with acute perimyocarditis. BNP elevation is probably associated with haemodynamical stress caused by transient contractility abnormalities. Diagnostic and prognostic role of BNP in acute perimyocarditis requires further studies.
Abstract
Aim: To assess the usefulness of BNP measurement in the diagnosis of perimyocarditis.
Methods: The study group consisted of 14 consecutive patients (13 males, mean age 32.1±12.4 years) with suspected perimyocarditis (history of influenza, typical symptoms, ECG and echocardiographic results as well as myocardial necrotic markers). Plasma BNP was assessed at bedside at the time of admission.
Results: Plasma BNP, measured in 12 patients, was 163±154 pg/mL (max. 519 pg/mL) and exceeded upper normal level in 6 (50%) patients. When normal levels were adjusted for age and gender, 9 (80%) patients had elevated BNP. One patient had heart failure symptoms and a BNP level of 205 pg/mL. In all 4 patients who had transient myocardial contractility disturbances, detected by echocardiography, BNP level exceeded 100 pg/mL.
Conclusions: BNP level is increased in some patients with acute perimyocarditis. BNP elevation is probably associated with haemodynamical stress caused by transient contractility abnormalities. Diagnostic and prognostic role of BNP in acute perimyocarditis requires further studies.
Keywords
b-type natriuretic peptide - perimyocarditis


Title
Diagnostic value of BNP in suspected perimyocarditis - a preliminary report
Journal
Kardiologia Polska (Polish Heart Journal)
Issue
Pages
455-458
Published online
2005-12-12
Bibliographic record
Kardiol Pol 2004;61(11):455-458.
Keywords
b-type natriuretic peptide - perimyocarditis
Authors
Marcin Grabowski
Grzegorz Karpiński
Krzysztof J. Filipiak
Adam Rdzanek
Arkadiusz Pietrasik
Dominik Wretowski
Robert Rudowski
Grzegorz Opolski