Fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis: Prediction of successful weaning from Impella support for cardiogenic shock

Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems in Fulminant Myocarditis: Recent Advances and Outlook

Background: Fulminant myocarditis (FM) constitutes a severe and life-threatening form of acute cardiac injury associated with cardiogenic shock. The condition is characterised by rapidly progressing myocardial inflammation, leading to significant impairment of cardiac function. Due to the acute and severe nature of the disease, affected patients require urgent medical attention to mitigate adverse outcomes. Besides symptom-oriented treatment in specialised intensive care units (ICUs), the necessity for temporary mechanical cardiac support (MCS) may arise. Numerous patients depend on these treatment methods as a bridge to recovery or heart transplantation, while, in certain situations, permanent MCS systems can also be utilised as a long-term treatment option. Methods: This review consolidates the existing evidence concerning the currently available MCS options. Notably, data on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), microaxial flow pump, and ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation are highlighted within the landscape of FM. Results: Indications for the use of MCS, strategies for ventricular unloading, and suggested weaning approaches are assessed and systematically reviewed. Conclusions: Besides general recommendations, emphasis is put on the differences in underlying pathomechanisms in FM. Focusing on specific aetiologies, such as lymphocytic-, giant cell-, eosinophilic-, and COVID-19-associated myocarditis, this review delineates the indications and efficacy of MCS strategies in this context.

Fulminant Myocarditis: When One Size Does Not Fit All - A Critical Review of the Literature

Fulminant myocarditis, rather than being a distinct form of myocarditis, is instead a peculiar clinical presentation of the disease. The definition of fulminant myocarditis has varied greatly in the last 20 years, leading to conflicting reports on prognosis and treatment strategies, mainly because of varied inclusion criteria in different studies. The main conclusion of this review is that fulminant myocarditis may be due to different histotypes and aetiologies that can be diagnosed only by endomyocardial biopsy and managed by aetiology-directed treatment. This life-threatening presentation requires rapid, targeted management both in the short term (mechanical circulatory support, inotropic and antiarrhythmic treatment and endomyocardial biopsy) and in the long term (including prolonged follow-up). Fulminant presentation has also recently been identified as a risk factor for worsened prognosis, even long after the resolution of the acute phase of myocarditis.

Fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis secondary to Coxsackie A virus with full myocardial recovery following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

We present a case of a 30-year-old female with no pertinent medical history who presented with 4 days of chest pressure, dyspnea and fever. She had hemodynamic compromise and had elevated cardiac and inflammatory markers consistent with cardiogenic shock. ECG demonstrated anterior ST-segment elevations with reciprocal changes. Coronary angiography revealed normal coronaries and echocardiogram showed severe biventricular dysfunction. Endomyocardial biopsy showed signs of lymphocytic myocarditis and viral testing was positive for Coxsackie A. She was initially supported with an intra-aortic balloon pump and later escalated to venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to electromechanical compromise. With supportive care, she was weaned off venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and made a full myocardial recovery on follow up echocardiogram and cardiac MRI.