Lymphocytic myocarditis: A histopathologic definition and classification from the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology and Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology. I: Endomyocardial biopsy

Background and aim

Lymphocytic myocarditis has long been appreciated as a lymphocyte-predominant myocardial inflammation with resultant myocyte injury. However, current methods of diagnosis on endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) lead to inconsistent diagnoses. To improve patient care, the criteria for the diagnosis of lymphocytic myocarditis on endomyocardial biopsies have been revised to address shortcomings of the Dallas Criteria and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria.

Methods and results

In the Seaport area of Boston, a panel of expert cardiovascular pathologists from the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology (SCVP) and the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology (AECVP) completed a three-year project to develop consensus terms and definitions. These “Seaport” criteria for EMB were developed to utilize CD3 immunohistochemistry for T lymphocytes and accurately define each level of histopathologic severity based on extent of infiltrate and presence of myocyte injury. These criteria create a diagnostic approach to lymphocytic myocarditis using three grades of severity (mild, moderate, and severe) along with a category of scattered increased T lymphocytes of undetermined significance (SITUS). The document discusses the role of ancillary studies, the relationship to other diagnostic modalities, and areas of continuing controversy in the development of these criteria.

Conclusion

These consensus-based criteria offer a standardized framework for diagnosing lymphocytic myocarditis in EMB. Adoption of these easy-to-use criteria will improve classification of lymphocytic myocarditis as an aid to diagnose and treat patients.