Predictors of acute myocarditis in complicated scrub typhus: an endemic province in the Republic of Korea

( Jung Yeon Chin ),( Ki-woon Kang ),( Kyung Min Moon ) 대한내과학회 2018 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.33 No.2

Background/Aims: Scrub typhus is known as a self-limited infectious disease. Cardiac complication is uncommon and usually not life-threatening. Until now, few cases of fulminant myocarditis by scrub typhus have been reported. So, we investigated incidence and predictors of acute myocarditis in severe scrub typhus. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 89 patients among 91 scrub typhus confirmed patients who examined an echocardiogram and cardiac biomarkers from 2005 to 2015 in the intensive care unit at our hospital. We excluded two patients who didn’t have electrocardiography. Patients were divided into two groups and compared between scrub typhus with (n = 13) and without (n = 76) acute myocarditis. Results: Age, sex, and underlying diseases were similar between the groups. The existence of eschar and duration of general ache and fever were similar between the groups. However, patients with acute myocarditis had more elevated total bilirubin, high incidence of ST elevations and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) than those without acute myocarditis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the PAF was a predictor of myocarditis with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 84%. Predictive power of combination of ST-segment elevation and PAF was significantly associated with myocarditis in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 11.7; p = 0.041) and area under the curve was 0.947 (95% CI, 0.878 to 0.983; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Acute myocarditis with scrub typhus may be more common than previously reported. Patients with high bilirubin and PAF are at increased risk of acute myocarditis with scrub typhus. These patients warrant closer follow-up and echocardiogram would be needed.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Clinical Features of COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Myocarditis, Compared With Those of Other Types of Myocarditis

Kim Sang Gyun,Lee Jeong Yeop,Jeong Won Gi,Lee Jong Eun,Kim Yun-Hyeon 대한의학회 2024 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.39 No.4

Background: To compare the clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-associated myocarditis (VAM) with those of other types of myocarditis. Methods: From January 2020 to March 2022, a total of 39 patients diagnosed with myocarditis via CMR according to the Modified Lake Louise criteria were included in the present study. The patients were classified into two groups based on their vaccination status: COVID-19 VAM and other types of myocarditis not associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Clinical outcomes, including the development of clinically significant arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest, and death, and CMR imaging features were compared between COVID-19 VAM and other types of myocarditis. Results: Of the 39 included patients (mean age, 39 years ± 16.4 [standard deviation]; 23 men), 23 (59%) had COVID-19 VAM and 16 (41%) had other types of myocarditis. The occurrence of clinical adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. As per the CMR imaging findings, the presence and dominant pattern of late gadolinium enhancement did not differ significantly between the two groups. The presence of high native T1 or T2 values was not significantly different between the two groups. Although the native T1 and T2 values tended to be lower in COVID-19 VAM than in other types of myocarditis, there were no statistically significant differences between the native T1 and T2 values in the two groups. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the CMR imaging findings and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 VAM did not differ significantly from those of other types of myocarditis during hospitalization.

Implication of microRNA as a potential biomarker of myocarditis

Raman Vijaya,Kim Gi Beom,Kim Gi Beom 대한소아청소년과학회 2022 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.65 No.5

Myocarditis was previously attributed to an epidemic viral infection. Additional harmful reagents, in addition to viruses, play a role in its etiology. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-induced myocarditis has recently been described, drawing attention to vaccine-induced myocarditis in children and adolescents. Its pathology is based on a series of complex immune responses, including initial innate immune responses in response to viral entry, adaptive immune responses leading to the development of antigen-specific antibodies, and autoimmune responses to cellular injury caused by cardiomyocyte rupture that releases antigens. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the myocardium eventually result in cardiac failure. Recent advancements in molecular biology have remarkably increased our understanding of myocarditis. In particular, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a hot topic in terms of the role of new biomarkers and the pathophysiology of myocarditis. Myocarditis has been linked with microRNA-221/222 (miR-221/222), miR-155, miR-10a*, and miR-590. Despite the lack of clinical trials of miRNA intervention in myocarditis yet, multiple clinical trials of miRNAs in other cardiac diseases have been aggressively conducted to help pave the way for future research, which is bolstered by the success of recently U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved small-RNA medications. This review presents basic information and recent research that focuses on myocarditis and related miRNAs as a potential novel biomarker and the therapeutics.

Balsalazide induced myocarditis in patient with ulcerative colitis: a case report

Lee Jung In,Kim Seong Jung,이준 조선대학교 의학연구원 2022 Medical Bilogical Science and Engineering Vol.5 No.2

Myocarditis induced by 5-aminosalicylic acid (ASA) is a rare and idiosyncratic adverse event requiring discontinuation of the drug. There have been very few cases of balsalazide induced myocarditis. Balsalazide is known to cause less complications compared to mesalamine due to its lower serum concentration. However, in the case of idiosyncratic adverse effects, clinicians should be aware that all 5-ASA drug have the potential to cause myocarditis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We report a case of balsalazide induced myocarditis in a 26-year-old female patient with UC. She was treated UC with balsalazide and added topical mesalamine one month ago. Her myocarditis was improved by discontinuation of basalazide and topical mesalamine. We considered a recently added topical mesalamine as a cause of myocarditis. Although basalazide is 5-ASA, it was carefully re-introduction because it was previously well tolerable. Finally, balsalazide induced myocarditis was confirmed by recurrence of myocarditis

Hypersensitivity myocarditis confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy

박유미,안성균,고안나,라상호,차재황,지용관,이지현 대한내과학회 2014 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.29 No.2

Myocarditis often occurs due to viral infections and postviral immune-mediated responses. Hypersensitivity myocarditis is a rare form of myocarditis. Numerous drugs can induce myocarditis, which is typically reversible after withdrawal of the causative agent. Here, we report a case of hypersensitivity myocarditis that was probably triggered by amoxicillin and that resolved completely with heart failure management as well as discontinuation of the drug. A 68-year-old woman presented with acute chest pain mimicking acute coronary syndromes, but the coronary angiography was normal. A recent history of taking medications, skin rash, and peripheral eosinophilia suggested a diagnosis of hypersensitivity myocarditis, which was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy.

Diagnosis of Acute Global Myocarditis Using Cardiac MRI with Quantitative T1 and T2 Mapping: Case Report and Literature Review

박철환,최의영,Andreas Greiser,Mun Young Paek,황성호,김태훈 대한영상의학회 2013 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.14 No.5

The diagnosis of myocarditis can be challenging given that symptoms, clinical exam findings, electrocardiogram results, biomarkers, and echocardiogram results are often non-specific. Endocardial biopsy is an established method for diagnosing myocarditis, but carries the risk of complications and false negative results. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the primary non-invasive imaging tool in patients with suspected myocarditis. Myocarditis can be diagnosed by using three tissue markers including edema, hyperemia/capillary leak, and necrosis/fibrosis. The interpretation of cardiac MR findings can be confusing, especially when the myocardium is diffusely involved. Using T1 and T2 maps, the diagnosis of myocarditis can be made even in cases of global myocarditis with the help of quantitative analysis. We herein describe a case of acute global myocarditis which was diagnosed by using quantitative T1 and T2 mapping.

전격성 심근염의 치료에 있어 경피적 순환 보조 장치의 유용성

임주영,정성호,제형곤,이택연,주석중,이재원,정철현 대한흉부외과학회 2010 Journal of Chest Surgery (J Chest Surg) Vol.43 No.1

Background: Fulminant myocarditis is a rare, but life threatening condition. Its prognosis is related with proper management in the acute phase. A cardiopulmonary support device can be very useful in this phase. We report on our experiences with managing acute fulminant myocarditis with a cardiopulmonary support (CPS) device. Material and Method: We reviewed retrospectively 9 patients who had a CPS device used for their fulminant myocarditis between September, 2006 and October, 2008. A Capiox emergency bypass system (Terumo Inc, Tokyo, Japan) was percutaneously inserted in all the patients. Upon implantation, all the patients were in cardiogenic shock because of ventricular arrhythmia or severe left ventricular dysfunction. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was 20±6% according to transthoracic echocardiography. Result: 3 patients died despite CPS. The CPS was bridged to a transplanted heart in one patient. The rest were successfully explanted after a mean time of 107±70 hours of running. The mean EF after discharge was 56±7% without dilated cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: Fulminant myocarditis can be fatal, but its prognosis is excellent if these patients receive proper, timely treatment. A cardiopulmonary support device can be very useful in this acute period. However, the implantation and management protocol of cardiopulmonary support are not yet settled. Further study is necessary to lower the complications of cardiopulmonary support for patients with fulminant myocarditis. 배경: 전격성 심근염은 드물지만 사망을 초래할 수도 있는 치명적인 질병으로서, 급성기 치료가 예후에 매우 중요한 것으로 알려져 있고 이러한 급성기 치료에 순환 보조 장치가 도움이 될 수 있다. 이에 전격성 심근염 환자에서 급성기에 순환 보조 장치를 사용하여 치료한 결과를 보고하고자 한다. 대상 및 방법: 2006년 9월부터 2008년 10월까지 전격성 심근염으로 순환 보조 장치를 삽입한 9명의 환자를 대상으로 후향적 연구를 시행하였다. Capiox emergency bypass system (Terumo Inc, Tokyo, Japan)을 사용하였고 경피적으로 삽입하여 순환 보조 장치를 운용하였다. 환자들은 모두 심실 빈맥 또는 강심제에 반응하지 않는 심인성 쇼크 상태에서 순환 보조를 받았고 심초음파상 평균 심구출률은 20±6%였다. 결과: 3명이 순환 보조 장치를 유지하던 도중 사망하였고 한 명의 환자가 순환 보조 장치를 유지하던 중 심장 이식 수술을 받았다. 나머지 환자들은 평균 107±70시간 순환 보조 장치 유지 후 성공적으로 발관하여 퇴원 후 심초음파상 심구출률 56±7%로 경과 관찰 중이다. 결론: 전격성 심근염은 급성기에 매우 치명적일 수 있으나 치료 후 예후는 양호한 질환으로 이러한 급성기 치료에 순환 보조 장치가 매우 유용하게 사용될 수 있다. 또한 순환 보조 장치의 도입 시점, 운용 방법 등에 대한 연구를 통하여 합병증을 줄일 수 있도록 노력해야 할 것이다.

The incidence and clinical characteristics of myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination in Republic of Korea adolescents from July 2021 to September 2022

Ju-Young Sim,Seung-Yun Kim,Eun-Kyoung Kim 질병관리본부 2023 Osong Public Health and Research Persptectives Vol.14 No.2

Objectives: Age-specific information regarding myocarditis/pericarditis in adolescents following mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in Asia remains insufficient. This study investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of myocarditis/pericarditis in Republic of Korea adolescents after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination.Methods: This retrospective descriptive study utilized patient data from the Korea Immunization Management System. Incidence rates were calculated according to age and sex. Clinical characteristics (symptoms/signs, laboratory values, and imaging results) were compared between mild and severe cases.Results: Between July 19, 2021 and September 30, 2022, 3,728,224 individuals aged 12 to 19 years received 6,484,165 mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, and 173 cases met the case definition for myocarditis/pericarditis: 151 mild (87.3%) and 22 severe (12.7%). The incidence was 3.8-fold higher in males than in females. Troponin I/ troponin T was elevated in 96% of myocarditis cases, demonstrating higher sensitivity than creatine kinase-myocardial band (67.6%) or C-reactive protein (75.2%). ST-segment or Twave on electrography abnormalities were found in 60.3% (85/141). Paroxysmal/sustained atrial/ventricular arrhythmias were more common in severe than in mild cases (45.5% vs. 16.8%, p=0.008). Edema on T2-weighted magnetic imaging occurred in 21.6% (8/37) and 62.5% (5/8) of mild and severe cases, respectively (p=0.03). Abnormal pericardial fluid collection or pericardial inflammation was found in 75.4% of pericarditis cases (49/65).Conclusion: Myocarditis/pericarditis occurred in rare cases following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. Most cases were mild, but the incidence was higher in adolescent males and after the second dose. As bivalent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mRNA vaccination started in Republic of Korea in October 2022, the post-vaccination incidence of myocarditis/pericarditis should be closely monitored, considering clinical characteristics.

Myosin-primed tolerogenic dendritic cells ameliorate experimental autoimmune myocarditis

Lee, Jun-Ho,Kim, Tae-Hoon,Park, Hyo Eun,Lee, Eun Gae,Jung, Nam-Chul,Song, Jie-Young,Seo, Han Geuk,Seung, Ki-Bae,Chang, Kiyuk,Lim, Dae-Seog Oxford University Press 2014 Cardiovascular research Vol.101 No.2

<P><B>Aims</B></P><P>Autoimmunity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis and giant cell myocarditis. Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is a mouse model of myocarditis that is induced by cardiac myosin. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) are used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive targets in a number of autoimmune disease models, but their effect on EAM has not been addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate whether tDC therapy in an EAM mouse model can suppress inflammatory myocarditis, a potential precursor of dilated cardiomyopathy.</P><P><B>Methods and results</B></P><P>tDCs were generated by treating immature DCs (imDCs) with TNF-α and cardiac myosin. Mice with EAM were injected twice with tDCs (with a 1-week interval) at three doses (2 × 10<SUP>5</SUP>, 1 × 10<SUP>6</SUP>, or 2 × 10<SUP>6</SUP>). The severity of myocarditis was histopathologically assessed. The phenotypes of the DC and regulatory T (Treg) cell populations were determined by flow cytometry and the effect of tDCs on autoimmunity-inducing cytokines was examined by ELISA. Myosin-pulsed tDCs displayed lower levels of DC-related surface markers and expressed higher levels of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) than mature DCs (mDCs). Histopathological examination revealed that hearts from tDC-treated mice showed markedly reduced myocardial inflammation compared with those of untreated EAM mice. These therapeutic effects by tDCs were mediated at least by enhanced myosin-specific Treg cell induction and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion.</P><P><B>Conclusion</B></P><P>Taken together, these results show for the first time that myosin-pulsed tDCs ameliorate EAM, and that this occurs most likely via the induction of antigen-specific Treg cells.</P>

Clinical outcome of acute myocarditis in children according to treatment modalities

Kim, Hyun-Jung,Yoo, Gyeong-Hee,Kil, Hong-Ryang The Korean Pediatric Society 2010 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.53 No.7

Purpose: There is currently little evidence to support intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy for pediatric myocarditis. The purpose of our retrospective study was to assess the effects of IVIG therapy in patients with presumed myocarditis on survival and recovery of ventricular function and to determine the factors associated with its poor outcome. Methods: We reviewed all consecutive cases of patients with myocarditis with left ventricular dysfunction verified by echocardiogram who had visited 3 university hospitals between January 2000 and September 2009. These patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 23 patients (69.6%) who received IVIG alone or IVIG in combination with steroids, and group 2 consisted of 10 patients (30.3%) who received neither IVIG nor other immunosuppressive agents. Clinical manifestations, laboratory results, echocardiographic findings, and outcomes were compared between these 2 groups. Results: One year after the initial presentation, the difference in the probability of survival did not show statistical significance in IVIGtreated patients ($P$=0.607). Of the echocardiographic parameters on admission, a shortening fraction of less than 15% was associated with unremitting cardiac failure. Furthermore, anemic patients were more likely to have elevated N-terminal fragment levels of the B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the progressed group ($P$=0.036). Conclusion: There was no difference between the IVIG-treated patients and the control patients in the degree of recovery of left ventricular function and survival. Prospective, randomized, clinical studies are needed to elucidate the effects of IVIG treatment during the acute stage of myocarditis on ultimate outcomes.