Fulminant myocarditis survivor after 56 hours of non-responsive cardiac arrest successfully returned to normal life by cardiac resynchronization therapy: a case report

J Cardiol. 2006 Dec;48(6):345-52.

Abstract

A 20-year-old female survived fulminant myocarditis with 56 hr of non-responsive cardiac arrest and was able to resume a normal life with cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT). On admission, she had developed cardiogenic shock refractory to pharmacological intervention. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was initiated with intraaortic balloon pumping. She developed complete cardiac standstill unresponsive to ventricular pacing. After 56 hr of cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation occurred and her ventricle started to respond to pacing therapy. She could leave the intensive care unit, although she continued to have severe heart failure refractory to medical intervention. She presented with paradoxical ventricular motion with a low cardiac output, so CRT was performed. After the initiation of CRT, her heart failure symptoms improved and she could return home.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / methods*
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / rehabilitation
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping
  • Myocarditis / complications
  • Myocarditis / rehabilitation
  • Myocarditis / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome