Prolonged Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support In a Patient with Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome-associated Fulminant Myocarditis - A Case Report and Literature Review.

: Myocarditis is a rare presentation of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, traditionally associated with poor clinical outcomes. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial. : A 16-year-old patient presented with acute chest pain, hypotension, and pulmonary oedema 2 months after being diagnosed with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-induced DRESS syndrome. Typical DRESS features were absent at onset of these symptoms. Echocardiography demonstrated biventricular systolic dysfunction, and electrocardiography (ECG) showed complete right bundle branch block and diffuse ST-segment elevation. The patient was admitted for high-dose inotropic support; however, his condition deteriorated. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and intra-aortic balloon pump were initiated on the third day of admission. Endomyocardial biopsy suggested the diagnosis of DRESS-associated myocarditis and a high-dose corticosteroid was commenced. While he was ECMO-dependent, the patient suffered multiple episodes of ventricular tachycardia on a background of cardioversion-resistant accelerated idioventricular rhythm. After 24 days of ECMO support, the ventricular function improved, and ECG reverted to sinus rhythm. His recovery allowed corticosteroid discontinuation 15 months after hospital discharge. : Typical DRESS syndrome features may not accompany the onset of DRESS-associated myocarditis. Mechanical circulatory support and adequate immunosuppression could save patients with malignant arrhythmias and delayed myocardial recovery.