Successful high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for a patient with fulminant myocarditis

Shigeru Kato, Shin Ichiro Morimoto, Shinya Hiramitsu, Akihisa Uemura, Masatsugu Ohtsuki, Yasuchika Kato, Kenji Miyagishima, Nami Mori, Hitoshi Hishida

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A 45-year-old man developed fulminant myocarditis for which ventricular assist devices (intra-aortic balloon pumping and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support) were required for hemodynamic support. Echocardiography showed left ventricular akinesis and, since no improvement was noted on the following day, immunoglobulin (70 g/day for 2 days) was added to the therapy. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased to 25% and 40% at 12 and 36 h, respectively, representing a marked improvement in wall motion within a very short period. An endomyocardial biopsy specimen revealed focal lymphomononuclear infiltrate with adjacent myocytolysis, and acute lymphocytic myocarditis was diagnosed. Two days after administration of immunoglobulin, the serum level of interleukin-6 decreased rapidly from 180 to 5.9 pg/ml. In this patient, cardiac function improved immediately after immunoglobulin administration, suggesting the usefulness of this therapy. Three years after the diagnosis the patient is in good health, with steady normal left ventricular ejection fraction. We conclude that there are cases of acute myocarditis in which high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is effective.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)48-51
Number of pages4
JournalHeart and Vessels
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-2007

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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