RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Autoimmune myocarditis: a clinical entity
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 317
OP 321
VO 120
IS 3
A1 Dragatakis, L. N.
A1 Klassen, J.
A1 Huttner, I.
A1 Fraser, D. G.
A1 Poirier, N. L.
A1 Klassen, G. A.
YR 1979
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/120/3/317.abstract
AB In a case of myocarditis electron microscopic and immunoflourescent studies of a transmural myocardial biopsy specimen indicated an autoimmune process. Extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, immunoglobulin and complement deposition along the sarcolemma and in the interstitium, and capillary endothelial injury were found. After a short course of immunosuppressive therapy the inflammatory process was replaced by collagenous scarring and lymphocytic depletion; the blood vessels were then normal. Earlier therapy in such cases may be lifesaving.