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

Abstract

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.