Depressed LV function; pericardial effusion present if accompanying pericarditis present. MRI demonstrates mid-wall gadolinium enhancement.
Treatment: Myocarditis Rest; treat as heart failure (Chap. 124. Heart Failure and Cor Pulmonale); efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., steroids) has not been demonstrated except in isolated conditions such as sarcoidosis and giant cell myocarditis. In fulminant cases, cardiac transplantation may be indicated. |
For a more detailed discussion, see Lakdawala NK, Stevenson LW, Loscalzo J: Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis, Chap. 287, p. 1553, in HPIM-19. |