New Technique Offers Hope for Patients with Rare, Deadly Heart Condition
Tübingen, Germany - Doctors at the University Heart Center Bad Kreuznach (UKB) are pioneering a new approach to diagnosing and treating giant cell myocarditis (GCM), a rare and often fatal inflammation of the heart muscle. The technique involves a minimally invasive tissue retrieval process during cardiac catheterization,allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis,possibly leading to earlier and more effective treatment.
GCM affects an estimated 1-2 people per million annually, often presenting with symptoms similar to a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. Early diagnosis is critical, as the condition can rapidly lead to heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death.Traditionally, diagnosing GCM requires invasive heart muscle biopsies, which can be risky and may not always yield a definitive result. The new method developed at UKB aims to overcome these challenges.
“With this technique, we can obtain tissue samples directly from the affected areas of the heart during a routine cardiac catheterization,” explains Prof. Dr. Dr. enzo Lüsebrink,senior doctor at UKB. “This minimizes the risk for the patient and allows us to quickly confirm the diagnosis, enabling us to initiate targeted immunosuppressive therapy.”
The retrieved tissue is then analyzed under a microscope to identify the characteristic giant cells that give the disease its name. Prof. Dr. K.Klingel of the cardiopathology department at University Hospital Tübingen highlights the importance of accurate identification: “Seeing these giant cells microscopically is key to confirming the diagnosis and differentiating GCM from other forms of myocarditis.”
The UKB team, led by Clinic Director Prof. dr. Georg Nickenig, believes this advancement will considerably improve outcomes for patients with GCM by accelerating diagnosis and treatment initiation. Further research and wider implementation of the technique are planned to benefit patients nationwide.
