Endomyocardial biopsy analysis.
Biopsy specimens were taken with a dedicated bioptome (B-18110-S; 4.5
mm³, Mohnheim, Germany) advanced through various 7F or 8F coronary
guiding catheters (JR4.0/AL1.0/JL4.0, Medtronic, Danvers, Mass). At
least four biopsy specimens (median, n = 5) with a diameter of 1-3 mm
were harvested under strictly sterile conditions. Two to three biopsy
specimens were fixed in 4% buffered formaldehyde for hematoxylin and
eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Giemsa staining and performance of
immunohistology. Another two to three cardiac tissue samples were
quick-frozen or fixed in RNAlater (Ambion Inc, Foster City, Calif) for
PCR detection of viral genomes without loss of sensitivity [16].
Biopsy specimens were investigated within 24 hours. Immunohistological
staining and detection of viral genomes were performed as previously
described [16,17].