Three children suffering from acute myocarditis, a rapidly progressing and potentially fatal inflammation of the heart muscle, have been successfully treated at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital using ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) — an advanced life‑support technology that acts as an artificial heart‑lung system to support circulation and oxygenation.
Over a span of just a few days, the hospital’s pediatric emergency and intensive care teams admitted three critically ill cases of acute myocarditis. In each case, the condition progressed quickly, threatening sudden heart failure and circulatory collapse.
One of the most notable cases involved an 11‑year‑old girl from Hanoi, who initially showed symptoms including persistent nausea and abdominal pain. Her family initially assumed it was a stomach issue, but her condition rapidly worsened. When she was transferred to the National Children’s Hospital, doctors found severe heart function abnormalities and extremely elevated cardiac markers, indicating widespread heart muscle damage.
Instead of waiting for the disease to deteriorate further, clinicians proactively initiated ECMO support as an early intervention to maintain circulation and reduce strain on the injured heart. After 7 days on ECMO, her cardiac function improved significantly, she was taken off ECMO support, breathing independently and conscious. If her recovery continues smoothly, she may be discharged soon with a good prognosis.
In the second case, a 13‑year‑old boy also from Hanoi was admitted with intense vomiting and developed irregular heart rhythms and respiratory distress. Medical teams moved quickly to provide ECMO support during the night, stabilizing his condition. Although he remains under close monitoring, his status has stabilized thanks to the early intervention.
The third case, a 7‑year‑old boy from Tuyen Quang, was brought in on the night of Vietnamese New Year’s Eve (Tet) after several days of fever, abdominal pain, and extreme fatigue. His condition rapidly worsened to respiratory difficulty and circulatory failure. Doctors placed an endotracheal tube, administered cardiac support medications, and immediately activated ECMO to support his heart and lungs. His condition is currently being carefully monitored as he continues treatment.
Pediatric cardiology experts explain that acute myocarditis is caused by inflammation that damages the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. While viral infections are a common trigger, other causes may include toxicity, autoimmune reactions, or inflammatory syndromes in children following viral infections.
One of the major challenges with acute myocarditis in children is that initial symptoms are often non‑specific — such as nausea, vomiting, mild abdominal pain, or fatigue — which can easily be mistaken for digestive or common viral illnesses. This underscores the importance of early medical evaluation when symptoms worsen or are accompanied by signs such as rapid breathing, chest discomfort, pale skin, or a very fast heartbeat.
Doctors involved in these cases stressed that this cluster of acute myocarditis cases serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers that the condition is neither rare nor predictable. Swift diagnosis and early intervention — particularly through the use of advanced life‑support measures like ECMO — can be the difference between life and tragic loss
