Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients with Fulminant Myocarditis: A Review of Contemporary Literature

Abstract

Fulminant myocarditis is characterized by life threatening heart failure presenting as cardi-ogenic shock requiring inotropic or mechanical circulatory support to maintain tissue perfusion. There are limited data on the role of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in the management of fulminant myocarditis. This review seeks to evaluate the management of fulminant myocarditis with a special emphasis on the role and outcomes with VA-ECMO use.