Fulminant myocarditis successfully treated with high-dose immunoglobulin

Abstract

Fulminant myocarditis is characterized by the rapid development of life-threatening congestive heart failure. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), by modulating the immune response, may be used for the treatment of acute myocarditis. We report two children with fulminant myocarditis successfully treated with a 10-h infusion of high-dose IVIG. In those cases, a dramatic clinical improvement was achieved, with both cardiac enzymes and myocardial function normalized within 1-2 weeks after treatment. © 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.