Abstract
We report a case of fulminant myocarditis after steroid pulse therapy for acute hepatitis. Serological studies demonstrated a four-fold increase in the antibodies against human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) IgG, and a PCR showed the existence of HHV-6 virus DNA. HHV-6 virus DNA was also isolated from the liver and the heart. We believe that exacerbation of fulminant myocarditis was probably associated with the reactivation of HHV-6 due to the immunosuppressive state of the host.
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Viral / blood
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DNA, Viral / genetics
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DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
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Fatal Outcome
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Hepatitis / drug therapy
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Herpesviridae Infections / etiology*
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Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
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Herpesviridae Infections / virology
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Herpesvirus 6, Human / genetics
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Herpesvirus 6, Human / isolation & purification
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Herpesvirus 6, Human / pathogenicity*
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Humans
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Male
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Methylprednisolone / adverse effects
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Middle Aged
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Myocarditis / etiology*
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Myocarditis / immunology
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Myocarditis / virology
Substances
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Antibodies, Viral
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DNA, Viral
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Methylprednisolone