Veno-arterial ECMO as bridge to recovery. Cardiogenic shock and suspected myocarditis in a 37-year-old patient

We report a case of a 37-year-old patient presenting with fulminant cardiogenic shock, almost noncontractile ventricles, followed by electromechanical dissociation. During performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device (VA ECMO) was implanted, which became necessary for 13 days. Subsequently, a total arrest of ventricular function was observed and prominent multiple organ failure emerged. A rapid test for respiratory syncytial virus was positive, supporting the suspected diagnosis of myocarditis. Despite numerous complications, complete recovery was achieved.