Resuscitation from fulminant myocarditis associated with refractory ventricular fibrillation

Resuscitation was possible in a case of fulminant myocarditis with refracto ry ventricular fibrillation (Vf) using a percutaneous cardiopulmonary suppo rt system (PCPS). A 46-year old Japanese man suddenly experienced cardiopul monary dysfunction shortly after the onset of flu symptoms, was promptly di agnosed as having fulminant myocarditis and PCPS was immediately initiated. On the second day in the hospital, refractory Vf occurred, which lasted fo r approximately 2h despite repeated efforts to terminate it. Finally, a lar ge dose of steroids was administered. From the third day of hospitalization and onwards, the Vf disappeared totally. The patient completely recovered from such a serious state in 6 months. During the following 3 years, he has had no clinical symptoms of worsening. As in this case demonstrates, most myocarditis is curable and invasive measures are very helpful in rescuing p atients from the fulminant type with refractory Vf.