Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in treatment of cardiogenic shock caused by acute myocarditis

We report a 31-year-old woman with acute myocarditis who was transferred to our hospital because of rapidly progressive cardiogenic shock unresponsive to infusion of high doses of inotropic agents and intraaortic balloon pump support. Upon arrival at our hospital, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was immediately established through a right femoral venoarterial route by percutaneous cannulation; the blood flow of ECMO was maintained at around 2,100 mL/min. Shock-induced rhabdomyolysis complicated with acute renal failure occurred. During treatment with ECMO and hemodialysis, the patient gradually recovered cardiac and renal function. The patient was maintained on ECMO for 90 hours then successfully weaned from the machine without major complications. Our experience suggests that ECMO can be used for temporary mechanical circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocarditis.