title: Acute myocarditis and ventricular fibrillation as initial presentation of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Acute myocarditis and ventricular arrhythmia are rarely seen as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children. We reported the case of a 12-year-old girl with congestive heart failure, acute myocarditis and pericardial effusion as a primary manifestation of SLE. Sudden cardiovascular collapse due to ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and cardiac tamponade occurred. After resuscitation and pericardiocentesis, frequent VF/VT refractory to anti-arrhythmic therapy was supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Early diagnosis and a combination treatment for heart failure, arrhythmias and immunosuppression may result in a favorable outcome.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
authors: Chi-Nan
authors: CN
authors: Huang
authors: Hsin-Hui
authors: HH
authors: Yu
authors: Shuenn-Nan
authors: SN
authors: Chiu
authors: Jyh-Hong
authors: JH
authors: Lee
authors: Li-Chieh
authors: LC
authors: Wang
authors: Yao-Hsu
authors: YH
authors: Yang
authors: Bor-Luen
authors: BL
authors: Chiang
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000209:etiology*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology*