Case report
Parvovirus-B19-associated fulminant myocarditis successfully treated with immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy
Robert Dennert, Sebastiaan Velthuis, Dirk Westermann, Dirk Donker, Simon Schalla, Robert-Jan van Suylen, Stephane Heymans
Corresponding author name: Stephane Heymans
Corresponding author e-mail: s.heymans@cardio.unimaas.nl
Citation: Antiviral Therapy 2010; 15:681-685
doi: 10.3851/IMP1563
Date published online: 25 June 2010
Abstract
Fulminant myocarditis is a rare inflammatory heart disease affecting relatively young adults. We describe a case of a 27-year-old male with acute onset severe heart failure. A rapid and accurate diagnostic approach suggested parvovirus B19 as the most probable cause for this fulminant viral myocarditis. Initial haemodynamic support, intensive immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy resulted in a complete recovery within 2 weeks. This case demonstrates the importance of a detailed diagnosis, allowing better classification of the underlying pathology and subsequent targeted treatment.