The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation
Volume 21, Issue 2 , Pages 290-293, February 2002

Successful explantation of a ventricular assist device following fulminant influenza type A-associated myocarditis

  • Paul C McGovern, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Dr. Paul C. McGovern, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Pennsylvania, 36th and Hamilton Walk, Johnson Pavilion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 USA. Telephone: 215-662-2473. Fax: 215-349-5111
    • Division of Infectious Diseases University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    • ,
  • Susan Chambers, CRNP, MSN

      Affiliations

    • Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    • ,
  • Emily A Blumberg, MD

      Affiliations

    • Division of Infectious Diseases University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    • ,
  • Michael A Acker, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    • ,
  • Suman Tiwari, MD

      Affiliations

    • Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    • ,
  • Jeffery K Taubenberger, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Molecular Pathology Division, and Department of Cellular Pathology and Genetics, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC, USA
    • ,
  • Alysia Carboni, CRNP, MSN

      Affiliations

    • Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    • ,
  • Carol Twomey, CRNP, MSN

      Affiliations

    • Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    • ,
  • Evan Loh, MD

      Affiliations

    • Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Received 6 March 2001; accepted 7 June 2001.

Abstract 

We report a case of fulminant myocarditis associated with refractory ventricular fibrillation following influenza A infection. Histologic examination was consistent with myocarditis and serology confirmed the viral etiology. The patient was supported with biventricular assist devices for 20 days during which her refractory ventricular fibrillation resolved spontaneously. This is the first documented case of resolution of prolonged ventricular fibrillation while on a ventricular assist device. This case suggests those patients with fulminant viral myocarditis and refractory ventricular arrhythmias may be supported successfully with ventricular assist devices until myocardial recovery takes place.

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PII: S1053-2498(01)00336-9

The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation
Volume 21, Issue 2 , Pages 290-293, February 2002

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