Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). Myocarditis can affect the heart muscle and heart's electrical system, reducing the ability of the heart heart's to pump and causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Myocarditis
Symptoms
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Shortness of breath, at rest or during physical activity
  • Fluid retention with swelling of your legs, ankles and feet
  • Fatigue
  • Other signs: headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, a sore throat or diarrhea
  • Myocarditis in children
  • Fever
  • Fainting
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Diagnosis

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

  • Chest X-ray

  • MRI

  • Echocardiogram

  • Blood tests

  • Cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy

Treatment

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

  • Beta blockers

  • Diuretics

  •  Aggressive treatment might include:

  • Intravenous (IV) medications 

  •  Ventricular assist devices

  •  Intra-aortic balloon pump

  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)