Churg-Strauss Syndrome Presenting with Acute Myocarditis and Cardiogenic Shock

Churg Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a multisystem disorder characterised by asthma, prominent peripheral blood eosinophilia, and vasculitis signs. We report the case of a 22 year-old man admitted to the intensive care unit for acute myocarditis complicated with cardiogenic shock. Eosinophilia, history of asthma, lung infiltrates, paranasal sinusitis, glomerulonephritis, and abdominal pain suggested the diagnosis of CSS. Cardiac MRI confirmed cardiac involvement with a diffuse subendocardial delayed enhancement of the left ventricular wall, and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%. Acute myocarditis was confirmed with myocardial biopsy. The patient was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids, intravenous cyclophosphamide, vasopressor inotropes, intra-aortic balloon pump and mechanical ventilation, and was discharged 21 days later. One year after diagnosis, the patient was asymptomatic. The eosinophilic cell count was normal. Follow-up MRI at one year showed LVEF of 40% with persistent delayed enhancement. Cardiac involvement by CSS requires immediate therapy with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, which may allow recovery of the cardiac function. (Heart, Lung and Circulation 2012;21:178-181) (C) 2011 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.