Outcomes, long-term quality of life, and psychologic assessment of fulminant myocarditis patients rescued by mechanical circulatory support*

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory assistance rescued 68% of patients with refractory circulatory failure due to fulminant myocarditis. Greater disease severity and higher troponin Ic levels at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation predicted poorer prognosis. Because up to one-third of the patients reported anxiety, depression, and/or posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, strategies aimed at attenuating their emotional and psychologic distress might significantly improve their long-lasting well-being.