Myocarditis with outcome in dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by refractory heart failure and requiring heart transplantation

The article describes the clinical case of subacute myocarditis in a child with an outcome in dilated cardiomyopathy, complicated with congestive heart failure. Difficulties in diagnosing the disease that manifested with cardiac arrhythmia are discussed. The main signs suggesting postmiocardic cardiomyopathy included a reduced deflection voltage and frequent ventricular extrasystoles with episodes of the ventricular tachycardia in the onset of the disease, left ventricular dilatation, a significant decrease in ejection fraction, increased activity of natriuretic peptide, findings of perfusion scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging. Medical therapy and implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator were ineffective. The child repeatedly suffered from syncopal conditions with circulatory arrest, which required resuscitation. Due to the ineffectiveness of drug therapy conducted in the leading federal centres, considering cardiac transplantation abroad was recommended. © Team of authors