Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006; 54(4): 278-280
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-923803
Short Communications

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Recovery from Giant Cell Myocarditis with ECMO Support and Utilisation of Polyclonal Antithymocyte Globulin: A Case Report

H. J. Ankersmit1 , R. Ullrich2 , B. Moser1 , K. Hoetzenecker1 , S. Hacker1 , P. German2 , C. Krenn2 , R. Horvat3 , M. Grimm1 , E. Wolner1 , A. Zuckermann1
  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • 2Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • 3Department of Anesthesia, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Received August 14, 2005

Publication Date:
02 June 2006 (online)

Abstract

Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare and frequently fatal disorder. Patients suffer of ventricular arrhythmias or congestive heart failure. Here we describe a patient with cardiogenic shock and histological verified GCM. The patient was saved by implantation of extracorporeal membrane oxygeneation (ECMO) device and concomitant application of Rabbit antithymocyte globuline (rATG, Thymoglobulin, Sangstat), cyclosporine, and steroids in the acute event. 12 months after the crisis the patient evidences NYHA class I heart function and only a moderate impairment of heart function (EF 55 %). The novel utilisation of ECMO in GCM related cardiogenic shock and application of rATG have prooven life-saving in this patient. Studies utilizing rATG in the treatment of GCM are warrented.

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Dr. Hendrik Jan Ankersmit

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Medical University of Vienna

Währinger Gürtel 18 - 20

1090 Vienna

Austria

Email: hjankersmit@hotmail.com