Three cases of myocarditis in childhood associated with human parvovirus (B19 virus)

We report three childhood cases of myocarditis associated with human parvovirus (B19 virus). All three children presented with significant cardiac decompensation, with one requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Left ventricular function was severely impaired in all three. Myocardial biopsy confirmed histological myocarditis and was positive for B19 virus by nested polymerase chain reaction. Serum was positive for IgG B19 virus but negative for IgM in all three cases. All three children were treated with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and immunosuppression. Prednisone and cyclosporin were continued until there was echocardiographic and histological improvement. All made a full clinical and echocardiographic recovery.