Abstract 15244: Rapid Recognition and Implementation of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Rare Fulminant Lymphocytic Myocarditis

Abstract

Case Presentation: A 65 year-old woman with heart failure, nonischemic cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, prior stroke presented with chest pain and shortness of breath for three days. She was ill-appearing, hypotensive and tachypneic, with troponins reaching greater than 125,000 ng/L. Initial ECG demonstrated sinus rhythm with inferior ST elevations and lateral T wave inversions, however emergent catheterization revealed angiographically normal coronary arteries. Repeat 2D echocardiography showed sharp decline to ejection fraction (EF) 5-10%. Patient subsequently developed cardiogenic shock and despite inotropes, vasopressors and intra-aortic balloon pump, she suffered ventricular fibrillation arrest requiring defibrillation. This prompted escalation with emergent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Endomyocardial biopsy findings taken at that time were consistent with lymphocytic myocarditis with negative viral panel. Her hospital course was also complicated by acute renal injury, respiratory failure requiring intubation, metabolic acidosis and shock liver. With treatment with high dose steroids and mechanical circulatory support, the patient's severely diminished EF improved to 20% and she is undergoing placement of a left ventricular assist device. Discussion: Fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis is a rare disease that has clinically and pathologically distinct features from subacute or acute lymphocytic myocarditis particularly in its timeline of onset and features of hemodynamic compromise. It most frequently affects young and pediatric individuals and can result in significant mortality and morbidity. This case with an older patient with severe fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis confirmed on biopsy highlights: 1) the importance of early recognition affecting survival outcome, 2) golden standard for diagnosis with endomyocardial biopsy and immunohistochemical analysis for subtype-specific evidence-based treatment, and 3) integrated medical and surgical management, including mechanical circulatory support as an essential life-saving tool.