Abstract
BackgroundHuman herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is an important cause of fulminant or acute viral myocarditis. However, insufficiency of standard antiviral treatment against HHV-6 is an emerging problem. ObjectivesTo describe the case of child with HHV-6 myocarditis who was treated by unloading with a left ventricular assist device and Artesunate. Study designCase report supported by histological and viral diagnoses via a combination of histology/immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction techniques performed on cardiac tissues before and after treatment. ResultsFollowing therapeutic intervention, the clinical status and heart function improved. Endomyocardial biopsies revealed decreased levels of HHV-6B DNA in the myocardium and the disappearance of histological findings in support of lymphocytic myocarditis. Left ventricular assist device could be explanted. No adverse effects of Artesunate were noted. ConclusionsIn addition to existing heart failure treatments, Artesunate can be considered as an effective candidate for clinical use in cases of HHV-6B associated myocarditis.
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