How is severe myocarditis treated?

The treatment of severe myocarditis typically includes the following aspects:

1. Medication therapy: Antiviral treatment may be used if myocarditis is caused by a viral infection; immunomodulatory agents, such as corticosteroids or immunoglobulins, are employed to control immune system attacks on the myocardium; heart failure management involves the use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and beta-blockers to reduce cardiac workload and improve heart function; anticoagulant therapy is administered to prevent thrombus formation.

2. Surgical treatment: Implantation of a temporary pacemaker may be considered when medication therapy does not achieve the desired effect, to improve the patient's symptoms; cardiac interventional procedures or cardiac surgical operations may be used in certain cases to improve cardiac function and reduce cardiac burden.

3. General treatment: Strict bed rest for a continuous period of 4–6 weeks to reduce cardiac workload; oxygen administration or mechanical ventilation support.

4. Management of complications: Prompt treatment of potential complications such as arrhythmias and infections.