Abstract:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is currently used with much enthusiasm for the treatment of many autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among its various indications, IVIg has also been found to be beneficial in myocarditis, whether or not it is associated with an autoimmune disease (e.g. Kawasaki’s disease). We report a 59-year-old SLE patient who, while being treated with steroids, developed severe cardiac dysfunction with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 20%. Coronary angiography demonstrating normal coronary arteries supported the diagnosis of myocarditis. High-dose IVIg treatment was started, followed by improved cardiac function a few days later and normalisation of the ejection fraction (50%) 1 month later. This is the second report of a beneficial effect of IVIg in myocarditis secondary to SLE.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 27 June 1998 / Accepted: 2 November 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sherer, Y., Levy, Y. & Shoenfeld, Y. Marked Improvement of Severe Cardiac Dysfunction After One Course of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol 18, 238–240 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100670050091
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100670050091