Mechanical Circulatory Support Combined With Immunosuppression for the Treatment of Giant Cell Myocarditis - A Single-Center Experience in Japan.

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic strategy for giant cell myocarditis (GCM) remains controversial, so we reviewed the clinical status of Japanese patients with GCM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively reviewed 6 consecutive patients with GCM requiring percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (p-MCS), with 3 further requiring ventricular assist devices. One patient died during p-MCS. Cardiac function improved in the other 5 with immunosuppressive therapy, but only 3 patients treated with dual immunosuppressants, including cyclosporine (CyA), achieved >1-year survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of patients with fulminant GCM is poor, but a treatment that combines MCS and early administration of CyA-based immunosuppressants will be useful.