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Small Steps for Idiopathic Giant Cell Myocarditis

  • Management of Heart Failure (T Meyer, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis (IGCM) is a rare disease causing progressive myocarditis characterized by myocardial necrosis and giant cells. Patients often present with rapidly progressive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and heart block. Without treatment, the disease often results in progressive pump failure requiring urgent cardiac transplantation or the need for mechanical circulatory support. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms are not yet defined but appear to involve genetics, autoimmune disorders, and possibly environmental factors such as viruses. Combined immunosuppressive regimens appear to prolong survival from death or cardiac transplant. Nevertheless, cardiac transplant is an effective treatment. The disease can recur in the transplanted heart resulting in death or the need for retransplant.

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Conflict of Interest

Jeffrey A. Shih and Jennifer A. Shih declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Massachusetts, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA

    Jeffrey A. Shih

  2. Emory University, 1605 Chantilly Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30324, USA

    Jennifer A. Shih

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  1. Jeffrey A. Shih
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  2. Jennifer A. Shih
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Correspondence to Jeffrey A. Shih.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Management of Heart Failure

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Shih, J.A., Shih, J.A. Small Steps for Idiopathic Giant Cell Myocarditis. Curr Heart Fail Rep 12, 263–268 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-015-0260-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-015-0260-x

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