skip to main content

Myocarditis — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardCardiologyMyocarditisRACP Paediatrics

An 11-year-old has fever, chest pain and progressive breathlessness one week after a viral illness. He is tachycardic out of proportion to fever, has hepatomegaly, cardiomegaly on chest radiograph and elevated troponin. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Urgent echocardiography with ECG and cardiac monitoring

Myocarditis is suggested by disproportionate tachycardia, heart failure signs, cardiomegaly and troponin elevation; urgent echo, ECG and monitoring assess ventricular function and rhythm risk. Exercise testing is unsafe during suspected acute myocarditis. The pearl is that tachycardia out of proportion to fever is a major clue to myocarditis.

Reference: RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines; Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)