Myocarditis from the Chinese Sumac Tree

Abstract

Letters19 July 2005Myocarditis from the Chinese Sumac TreeJohn D. Bisognano, MD, PhD, Kevin S. McGrody, MD, and Abraham M. Spence, BAJohn D. Bisognano, MD, PhDFrom University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY 14642.Search for more papers by this author, Kevin S. McGrody, MDFrom University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY 14642.Search for more papers by this author, and Abraham M. Spence, BAFrom University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY 14642.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-143-2-200507190-00031 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:Background: Myocarditis is commonly assumed to be infectious in origin in many patients who present to the emergency department with chest pain, depressed ejection fraction, and a history compatible with a viral syndrome. Certain naturally occurring products, such as quassinoids in tree sap, may also cause myocarditis.Objective: To describe a case of myocarditis likely due to exposure to sap from the Chinese sumac tree (Ailanthus altissima).Case Report: A previously robust, healthy 24-year-old man presented to the emergency department reporting 3 days of fever and chills associated with epigastric pain, substernal chest pressure that radiated to ...