Background: Fulminant myocarditis is a rare, life-threatening condition. Decompensated heart failure caused by fulminant myocarditis is managed with inotropic agents, mechanical ventilation, and mechanical circulatory support. Levosimendan is a novel inotropic agent that also has vasodilatory and cardioprotective properties. However, information about levosimendan use in children is limited in the literature.
Case Report: We report the full recovery of a 3.5-year-old male patient with an inotrope-resistant heart failure treated with levosimendan therapy who was diagnosed as having fulminant myocarditis after presenting with acute decompensated heart failure and low cardiac output.
Conclusion: Levosimendan therapy may offer an effective treatment for children with acute decompensated heart failure secondary to fulminant myocarditis resistant to standard therapy.