Giant cell myocarditis:a fatal cause of dyspnea in pregnancy

The clinical course of a pregnant patient, who presented with progressive dyspnea and heart failure is described. Despite intensive care and resuscitative efforts to mother and child, both expired. The autopsy revealed giant cell myocarditis in the mother. Giant cell myocarditis can affect pregnant patients and should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive dyspnea. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved