Inquest into the death of Kerisha Slim

8y · Female·Chronic myocarditis subsequent to chemotherapy for sialoblastoma

An 8-year-old Aboriginal girl died from chronic myocarditis following chemotherapy for sialoblastoma (salivary gland cancer). She had completed chemotherapy and surgery with good response when complications arose. During respite from hospital, she deteriorated acutely and presented to Katherine District Hospital with vomiting and lethargy. Her condition was initially misdiagnosed as post-chemotherapy vomiting, then septic shock—both reasonable diagnoses given available information. Although she was triaged as category 4 rather than category 3, this minor delay did not affect outcome. Transfer to Royal Darwin Hospital was arranged promptly despite ad hoc helicopter evacuation procedures. Autopsy revealed massive pericardial and pleural effusions with cardiac tamponade. The myocarditis was likely viral infection superimposed on chemotherapy-induced cardiac damage. Medical management at both hospitals was appropriate and professional, and the acute deterioration was not predictable. The case highlights challenges in managing chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity and communication delays in remote health services.