Treatment Of Severe Diphtheritic Myocarditis By Temporary Insertion Of A Cardiac Pacemaker

Vietnamese children and adolescents with diphtheritic myocarditis and severe conduction abnormalities were treated prospectively with temporary insertion of a cardiac pacemaker. Five of 32 patients died before the procedure could be performed, the remaining 27 patients underwent successful pacemaker insertion. In children and adolescents with diphtheritic myocarditis and severe conduction defects, temporary insertion of a cardiac pacemaker may improve the outcome.