Signs of Myocarditis (Heart muscle inflammation)

Description

An Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The disease can be from an infection (usually viral) or from a complication of an underlying illness, injury, radiation therapy, or toxic reactions to drugs. Inflammation of the capsule surrounding the heart can also occur (pericarditis). The severity of the disease can vary widely but in extreme cases be life threatening or result in permanent heart damage and heart failure.

Symptoms

Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, fatigue, exercise intolerance. There may be no symptoms.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify the cause of the inflammation are done and include: blood cultures for infection, blood tests for antibodies against the heart muscle and the body itself, heart muscle biopsy (endomyocardial biopsy), and an echocardiogram. Imaging studies to identify other adjacent infections and rule out other causes of the symptoms may be performed.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
Troponin
D-Dimer
UA
X-Ray
EKG
CT Scan
MRI

Treatment

Treatment involves removing the initial cause of the disorder and reversing the damage done by the inflammation. Treatment includes: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, diuretics, and/or medications to increase the contraction of the heart. Abnormal heart rhythms may require the use of additional medications, a pacemaker, or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. For more information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573