Inflammation and virus in dilated cardiomyopathy as indicated by endomyocardial biopsy.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of "quick-freeze" endomyocardial biopsy tissue for identification of evidence of viral presence is an important new tool in the investigation of unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy patients; and particularly those who are not improving with conventional treatment. Alternate therapeutic measures, including anti-viral treatment and immunosuppressive therapy, offer promise in contributing to left ventricular systolic function improvement. It is important to include PCR testing for a broad spectrum of cardiotropic viruses prior to the application of immunosuppressive therapy.
Fett
James D
JD
Hosiptal Albert Schweitzer, Deschapelles, Haiti, Department Adult Medicine, Deschapelles, Haiti.
D001706:Biopsy; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology*; D006321:Heart / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism*; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications*
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D002097:C-Reactive Protein