Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Causes

Infection (Viral, Protazoan, Bacterial, Fungal, Parasitic)

Toxins (Drugs)

Immunologic (Allergic, Rejection after a heart transplant, Autoantigens, Toxins, Heavy metals)

Physical agents (Electric shock, Hyperpyrexia, Radiation)

Signs and Symptoms

Chest Pain

Congestive Heart Failure

Palpitations

Sudden Death

Fever

Symptoms in infants and toddlers tend to be more nonspecific (Generalized malaise, poor appetite, abdominal pain, and/or chronic cough. Later stages are present with respitory symptoms with increased breathing.

Diagnosis

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)