Severe Parvovirus B19-Associated Myocarditis in Children in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study

This study describes a cluster of severe parvovirus B19-Associated myocarditis cases in children across England in the context of an increase in circulating virus. Cases were identified across 3 large children's centers. Eight cases presented from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 as compared with 19 from 1 January 2024 to 31 August 2024. Almost all (n = 25, 93%) required intensive care, and 24 (88%) received inotropes and 4 (15%) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Myocarditis appears to be temporally associated and a late sequela of parvovirus B19, resulting in high rates of intensive care unit admission. Testing with serology and blood polymerase chain reaction should be part of a syndromic screen for all children with severe myocarditis.