THE ROLE OF THE PHYSICIAN IN THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF DENGUE-RELATED MYOCARDITIS

Abstract

This article aimed to explore the cardiac complications associated with dengue virus infection, focusing on the expanded dengue syndrome. The study was conducted through an integrative literature review, using articles published in English and Portuguese from 2019 to 2023 in the Scielo and PubMed databases. A total of 25 studies were analyzed after a rigorous selection process, focusing on works discussing the cardiovascular manifestations of dengue in humans. Results indicate that myocarditis is among the most severe, though less frequent, manifestations associated with the virus, presenting a high risk of mortality. Additionally, other complications, such as arrhythmias and heart failure, were observed, often underdiagnosed. The analysis revealed that cardiac involvement occurs both through direct viral action on cardiac tissues and an exacerbated inflammatory response by the host, frequently associated with cytokine storm syndrome. It concludes that the early recognition of these manifestations is essential for optimizing clinical management and reducing mortality in severe dengue cases, especially in endemic areas. Advanced diagnostic strategies and multidisciplinary treatment are critical to mitigating the impacts of these complications.