Resolved hypersensitivity myocarditis after ventricular circulatory assist

Ann Thorac Surg. 2003 Dec;76(6):2102-4. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(03)00870-1.

Abstract

Hypersensitivity myocarditis is known to be a cardiac manifestation of a delayed-type hypersensitivity response caused by drug treatment. In heart transplantation candidates the incidence is elevated. We report the case of a patient with end-stage heart failure who underwent implantation of a left ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation. The histologic investigation of the left ventricular specimen obtained during device implantation revealed the diagnosis of a hypersensitivity myocarditis. Ten months later this lesion showed complete reversibility within specimens of the explanted heart, maybe as a result of the termination of inotropic therapy after implantation of the left ventricular assist device.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / drug therapy
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / surgery
  • Cardiotonic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Dobutamine / adverse effects*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / complications*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • Heart Transplantation
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocarditis / etiology*
  • Myocarditis / pathology
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Waiting Lists

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Dobutamine