Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Ultrasonic Assessment of Myocardial Microstructure
Published on: January 14, 2014
An Autopsy Case of Fulminant Myocarditis with Massive Left Ventricular Calcification
Satsuki Yagi-Nakajima1, Masanobu Miura1, Shun Sawada1
1Department of Cardiology, Iwate Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan.
Insights
Fulminant myocarditis with massive myocardial calcification is rare. Autopsy revealed calcification filling every left ventricle cell, indicating poor outcomes in this severe cardiac condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Myocardial calcification is an uncommon finding in myocarditis.
- Its association with adverse outcomes necessitates further investigation.
Observation:
- A case of fulminant myocarditis in a 49-year-old male is presented.
- The patient experienced refractory cardiac dysfunction despite advanced mechanical support.
Findings:
- Computed tomography and autopsy revealed massive, diffuse myocardial calcification.
- Pathological examination showed calcification within every myocardial cell of the left ventricle.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential link between extensive myocardial calcification and fatal outcomes in severe myocarditis.
- Understanding this association may inform prognostic assessments and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Myocardial calcification in myocarditis is rare and may be linked to poor outcomes. We herein report a case of fulminant myocarditis with massive myocardial calcification and its pathological outcomes at autopsy. A 49-year-old man experienced chest pain and was diagnosed with acute myocarditis. His cardiac function did not recover despite mechanical circulatory support in combination with V-A extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and IMPELLA CP®. He eventually developed sepsis and gastrointestinal bleeding and died on day 27. Diffuse myocardial calcification was observed on computed tomography at autopsy. The pathological autopsy depicted that calcification filled every myocardial cell in the left ventricle.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

