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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:31
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
Herpes simplex virus-induced cardiomyopathy successfully treated with acyclovir.
Petr Kuchynka1, Tomas Palecek, Hana Hrbackova
1First Faculty of Medicine, 2nd Department of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|September 25, 2010
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi), a rare condition. This case highlights successful treatment of HSV-induced cardiomyopathy using acyclovir, offering new hope for patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi) is an acquired heart condition often caused by viral infections.
- While various cardiotropic viruses are implicated, herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an infrequent cause of DCMi.
- Diagnosis typically involves endomyocardial biopsies to identify the causative agent.
Observation:
- A rare case of DCMi was identified in a patient with a suspected herpes simplex virus infection.
- The patient presented with symptoms consistent with inflammatory cardiomyopathy.
Findings:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was confirmed as the causative agent of the patient's dilated cardiomyopathy.
- The patient received treatment with the antiviral medication acyclovir.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential role of HSV in causing DCMi, even when rare.
- Successful treatment with acyclovir suggests a viable therapeutic strategy for HSV-induced cardiomyopathy.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms and prevalence of HSV in cardiac inflammation.
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