Korean Circ J.  2005 Aug;35(8):563-572. 10.4070/kcj.2005.35.8.563.

Mechanical Circulatory Supports in the Treatment of Fulminant Myocarditis

• Park JI
• Jeon ES

• KMID: 2093941
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2005.35.8.563

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Although fulminant myocarditis (FM) is known as a fatal disease, once patients have recovered, with aggressive pharmacologic therapy and/or mechanical circulatory supports (MCS), including intra-aortic pump, temporary ventricular assist device and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, they may return to normal life with an excellent long-term prognosis. Elevated C-reactive protein, Creatinine phosphokinase and cytokine concentrations, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and intraventricular conduction disturbances on admission may predict the progress of acute myocarditis to fulminant course. Early MCS helps save life and prevent multi-organ failures in patients with FM. The type of MCS may not affect the outcome of the clinical course when its complications are managed properly. Since other managements with immunoglobulin, antiviral agent or monoclonal antibody remain to be confirmed, aggressive hemodynamic support with MCS is the best management for patients with FM, who once recovered from the acute phase can return to normal life.

Keyword

Myocarditis; Prognosis; Mechanical circulatory supports

MeSH Terms

C-Reactive Protein
Creatinine
Heart-Assist Devices
Hemodynamics
Humans
Immunoglobulins
Myocarditis*
Prognosis
Stroke Volume
C-Reactive Protein
Creatinine
Immunoglobulins