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Myocarditis
Medical Questions » Myocarditis
| Name: Myocarditis |
| Also known as: Heart Infection |
| An uncommon but serious infection or inflammation of heart muscle. |
Causes of Myocarditis
Bacterial, viral (most common), parasitic (rarest) or fungal (most serious) infection of the muscle in the heart wall. Inflammation of the heart muscle may be caused by poisons (eg. arsenic), toxins, irradiation and potent drugs (eg. cytotoxic used in cancer treatment). Patients usually remember another infection a week or two prior to the onset. |
Symptoms of Myocarditis
Chest pain is common, and may be accompanied by a rapid pulse, tiredness, shortness of breath, swollen ankles and a cough. |
Tests for Myocarditis
Diagnosis confirmed by an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, and echocardiogram. |
Treatment for Myocarditis
Depends upon the cause. If bacteria are present, antibiotics are prescribed, but if a virus is responsible, no specific treatment is available.
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Complications of Myocarditis of its treatment
Heart failure may develop as damaged heart muscle cannot contract normally. |
Likely Outcome of Myocarditis
Bacterial infections can be cured, but viral myocarditis tends to persist for many months and then slowly resolve. Permanent heart damage is a common result. |
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