Myocarditis

Overview

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium caused by infectious, autoimmune, toxic, or other mechanisms.

Clinical Features

Presentation may include chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, syncope, arrhythmia, or features of acute heart failure.

Some patients present following a recent viral or infectious illness.

Investigation

ECG, cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI are commonly used to support diagnosis and characterize myocardial injury.

Management

Management is guided by severity and may include heart failure treatment, rhythm management, circulatory support, and treatment of an identified underlying cause.

Clinical Pearls