Eosinophilic myocarditis

Eosinophilic myocarditis is a rare form of myocarditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). Unlike other forms of myocarditis, eosinophilic myocarditis involves an infiltration of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, into the myocardium. This condition can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death.

Etiology

Eosinophilic myocarditis can be caused by various factors, including drug hypersensitivity, parasitic infections, and systemic diseases such as hypereosinophilic syndrome. In some cases, the cause remains idiopathic, meaning it is unknown. Drugs commonly associated with eosinophilic myocarditis include certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, and medications used in chemotherapy.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of eosinophilic myocarditis involves the infiltration of eosinophils into the myocardium. Eosinophils are part of the body's immune response and typically target parasites and play a role in allergic reactions. In eosinophilic myocarditis, these cells cause damage to the heart muscle through the release of toxic granules, leading to inflammation and necrosis of myocardial tissue. This process can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms of heart failure.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms of eosinophilic myocarditis can vary widely, ranging from nonspecific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and chest pain, to more severe manifestations like acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and life-threatening arrhythmias. Due to its diverse presentation, eosinophilic myocarditis can be challenging to diagnose without a high index of suspicion and appropriate diagnostic tests.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and endomyocardial biopsy. Laboratory tests may reveal elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood. Imaging studies, such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart, can provide information on the structure and function of the heart. However, the definitive diagnosis is usually made through an endomyocardial biopsy, which can directly demonstrate the infiltration of eosinophils into the myocardium.

Treatment

Treatment of eosinophilic myocarditis focuses on addressing the underlying cause, if known, and managing symptoms. Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. In cases where corticosteroids are ineffective or contraindicated, other immunosuppressive agents may be used. Management of heart failure symptoms and arrhythmias is also crucial. In severe cases, mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis of eosinophilic myocarditis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and the response to treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes, but the condition can be fatal, especially if it leads to severe heart failure or malignant arrhythmias.