Role for advanced heart failure therapies in the management of influenza B-associated fulminant myocarditis with recovery

Abstract

A woman presented to the emergency department for syncope after developing influenza-like symptoms. She tested positive for influenza B. The patient rapidly decompensated into cardiogenic shock over 2 days, requiring aggressive pharmacological therapy and temporary mechanical circulatory support. She made a full recovery. This case highlights the importance of early intervention, urgent transplant evaluation and guideline directed medical therapy in the treatment of fulminant myocarditis secondary to influenza B infection.

Keywords: Cardiovascular medicine; Cardiovascular system; Heart failure; Influenza; Mechanical ventilation.