Virus infection of the heart - unmet therapeutic needs.

Authors:
Address: Department of Cardiology, CARIM, University Hospital Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Journal:

Publication:

abstract

For over 50 years viral infection has been recognized as an important trigger of acute myocarditis, inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (inflammatory DCM) and congestive heart failure. Nevertheless, viral heart disease remains challenging to diagnose and treat. Improved diagnostic methods for myocarditis have led to a better understanding of its pathophysiology. The recognition of Virus-mediated damage, inflammation, and autoimmune dysregulation in these patients highlights the importance to differentiate between virus-positive and virus-negative inflammatory DCM. These insights have led to the development of novel treatment strategies, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and interferon therapy for virus-positive patients. This article will emphasize on the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis, especially parvovirus B19-induced, its progression to inflammatory DCM and future treatment strategies.

Related Articles
Review Treatment of inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy and (peri)myocarditis with immunosuppression and i.v. immunoglobulins.
Herz. 2004
Review Treatment of inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy and (peri)myocarditis with immunosuppression and i.v. immunoglobulins.
Maisch B, Hufnagel G, Kölsch S, Funck R, Richter A, Rupp H, Herzum M, Pankuweit S. Herz. 2004 Sep; 29(6):624-36.
Review Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMI).
Herz. 2005
Review Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMI).
Maisch B, Richter A, Sandmöller A, Portig I, Pankuweit S, BMBF-Heart Failure Network. Herz. 2005 Sep; 30(6):535-44.
Review Inflammation in dilated cardiomyopathy.
Herz. 2004
Review Inflammation in dilated cardiomyopathy.
Pankuweit S, Ruppert V, Maisch B. Herz. 2004 Dec; 29(8):788-93.
[Familial predisposition and microbial etiology in dilated cardiomyopathy].
Herz. 2009
[Familial predisposition and microbial etiology in dilated cardiomyopathy].
Pankuweit S, Richter A, Ruppert V, Maisch B. Herz. 2009 Mar; 34(2):110-6.
Review [Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: a persistent viral infection or an organ-specific autoimmune disease? The trial of 2 major pathogenetic hypotheses].
G Ital Cardiol. 1992
Review [Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: a persistent viral infection or an organ-specific autoimmune disease? The trial of 2 major pathogenetic hypotheses].
Caforio AL, Bonifacio E, Keeling PJ, Grazzini M, Schiaffino S, Bottazzo GF, McKenna WJ. G Ital Cardiol. 1992 Jan; 22(1):63-72.

To top • Home

TraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment.All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.