Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

CausesEdit

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 SymptomsEdit

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.

DiagnosisEdit

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Elevated C-reactive protein

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Increased Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

TreatmentEdit

Therapy (Symptomatic treatment)

For those with the acute phase, supportive trerapy including bed rest

Heart Transplant