A fatal case of fulminant myocarditis with human herpesvirus-6 infection

Intern Med. 2000 Aug;39(8):632-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.39.632.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hepatitis / drug therapy
  • Herpesviridae Infections / etiology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocarditis / etiology*
  • Myocarditis / immunology
  • Myocarditis / virology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • DNA, Viral
  • Methylprednisolone