Immunosuppression and immunomodulation may become reasonable therapeutic options for defined subgroups of patients with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy, guided by endomyocardial biopsy and viral genome analysis.
Viral myocarditis is a frequent and often unrecognised cause of post-inflammatory cardiomyopathy. The role of viral persistence and heart-specific autoimmunity in the development of myocarditis and heart failure is still controversial. This review updates the current view on the immunological mechanisms of disease development and addresses the current and future role of immunomodulation and immunosuppression as treatment options for defined subgroups of patients with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Julia Burian (Sat,) conducted a review in Myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Immunosuppression and immunomodulation was evaluated. Immunosuppression and immunomodulation may become reasonable therapeutic options for defined subgroups of patients with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy, guided by endomyocardial biopsy and viral genome analysis.