Autoimmune myocarditis: a clinical entity.
In a case of myocarditis electron microscopic and immunoflourescent studies of a transmural myocardial biopsy specimen indicated an autoimmune process. Extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, immunoglobulin and complement deposition along the sarcolemma and in the interstitium, and capillary endothelial injury were found. After a short course of immunosuppressive therapy the inflammatory process was replaced by collagenous scarring and lymphocytic depletion; the blood vessels were then normal. Earlier therapy in such cases may be lifesaving.
D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases; D001344:Autopsy; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D003176:Complement C3; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008297:Male; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012508:Sarcolemma / Q000648:ultrastructure
D003176:Complement C3; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D003907:Dexamethasone; D001379:Azathioprine