Open AccessA giant mystery in giant cell myocarditis: navigating diagnosis, immunosuppression, and mechanical circulatory support
Author(s) -
Fallon Julianne M.,
Parker Alex M.,
Dunn Steven P.,
Kennedy Jamie L.W.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
esc heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.787
H-Index - 25
ISSN - 2055-5822
DOI - 10.1002/ehf2.12564
Subject(s) - immunosuppression , medicine , myocarditis , circulatory system , heart failure , presentation (obstetrics) , intensive care medicine , giant cell , medical diagnosis , cardiology , pathology , surgery
Abstract Giant cell myocarditis is a rare but often devastating diagnosis. Advances in cardiac imaging and mechanical circulatory support have led to earlier and more frequent diagnoses and successful management. This disease state has wide variation in acuity of presentation, and consequently, optimal treatment ranging from intensity and type of immunosuppression to mechanical circulatory support is not well defined. The following case describes the management of a patient with an unusual presentation of giant cell myocarditis over a 10 year course of advanced heart failure therapies and immunomodulatory support. This case highlights emerging concepts in the management of giant cell myocarditis including sub‐acute presentations, challenges in diagnosis, and treatment modalities in the modern era.