Biventricular assist device as a bridge to recovery in patient with fulminant myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium that often occurs in previously healthy persons, and may be of multiple aetiology. Although, cure can be achieved by medical support measures in most cases, the disease can have a fulminant presentation resulting in acute, severe heart failure, cardiogenic shock, multiple organ failure (MOE), and eventually death. Aggressive treatment, with mechanical circulatory support is essential to avoid MOF and to achieve full recovery. A report is presented on a successful survival case of a 47 year-old patient with fulminant myocarditis and MOF using a biventricular assist device (Levitronix CentriMag (R)) as a bridge to full recovery. (C) 2014 Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Toracica-Cardiovascular. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.