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
Congestive Heart Failure
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)
Elevated C-reactive protein
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Increased Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Treatment
Therapy (Symptomatic treatment)
For those with the acute phase, supportive trerapy including bed rest
Heart Transplant
