Successful bridge to recovery with 120 days of mechanical support in an infant with myocarditis.
An 8-month-old boy with acute myocarditis was mechanically supported with the Berlin Heart EXCOR biventricular assist device. Signs of myocardial recovery were not apparent until 40 days from presentation and ventricular function continued to improve with device removal possible after 120 days of support. He had normal cardiac function 3 months after device removal. Recovery from myocarditis in infants can take much longer than previously recognized and an extended wait for recovery is possible with the Berlin Heart.
Jones
Caroline B
CB
Department of Paediatric Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Cassidy
Jane V
JV
Kirk
Richard
R
Black
Fiona
F
Griselli
Massimo
M
Hasan
Asif
A
Crossland
David S
DS
D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004867:Equipment Design; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007440:Intubation; D008297:Male; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D012151:Resuscitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome