Novel pH1N1 viral cardiomyopathy requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of pH1N1 viral infection presenting as heart failure requiring mechanical extracorporeal life support.

Design: Case report.

Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit at a regional children's hospital.

Patient: Obese 15-yr-old boy who presented with pH1N1-related cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure that required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Interventions: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, echocardiography, high-frequency oscillating ventilation.

Measurements and main results: Discovery of severe dilated cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure.

Conclusions: Patients with pH1N1 may present in profound heart failure in addition to respiratory failure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may play an important role in managing these complex patients.