acyclovir and Cardiomyopathy--Dilated

Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi) represents an acquired form of dilated cardiomyopathy. Viral infection is the most common cause of DCMi. In contrast with other cardiotropic viruses, herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a very rare finding in endomyocardial biopsies of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We report a case of HSV-induced cardiomyopathy successfully treated with acyclovir.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myocarditis; Treatment Outcome

In contrast to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD), EBV-associated leiomyomatous tumors have thus far only rarely been described.. Two years after heart transplantation with ATG induction, cyclosporine (CsA; trough levels of 250 ng/mL)-based triple drug immunosuppression), a 23-year-old patient developed a small round lesion within the left lateral liver segment. The patient underwent ultrasound-guided biopsy followed by liver resection. Histological and immunohistological examination showed a leiomyosarcoma. In situ hybridization using EBV-specific EB endoplasmic reticulum-RNA showed an intensive signal in almost all tumor cells. The tumor stained for EB nuclear antigen (EBNA)-2-protein. Immunosuppression was drastically reduced, namely, CsA levels <100 ng/dL, prednisolone 5 mg, azathioprine withdrawn, and antiviral chemotherapy initiated with 10 days of IV gancyclovir and acyclovir followed by oral famcyclovir. During the follow-up, anti-EBV-IgM, anti-early antigen antibodies, and anti-EBNA antibodies were continuously monitored excluding significant EBV replication. Eighteen months post-liver resection, and high-resolution computed tomography scan demonstrated two paravertebral tumors. These lesions and a small nodule at the left ankle were resected revealing identical leiomyosarcomata. Immunosuppression was further reduced (CsA levels 75 ng/dL) and famcyclovir maintenance therapy started. Nevertheless, 2 years later the patient again developed tumor recurrence (perirectal, liver, and right adrenal gland); the tumors were surgically removed. The therapy was switched to Rapamycin and famcyclovir was continued. Three years after the last surgical intervention, the patient is well and recurrence-free.. Long-term survival in patients with posttransplant EBV-associated leiomyosarcoma can be achieved by combined surgical intervention, reduction of immunosuppression, switch to Sirolimus, and antiviral chemotherapy.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Ganciclovir; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Leiomyosarcoma; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Microsurgery; Recurrence; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography