Cardiomyopathy - Myocarditis

Question 1

Features of myocarditis?

Answer 1

Acute or chronic inflammation of the myocardium

Can be associated with pericardium

Impairs myocardial function, conduction and generates arrhythmia

Question 2

Pathology?

Answer 2

Infiltration of inflammatory cells into myocardial layer

Reduced function leading to heart failure

Heart block and arrhythmia as conduction system gets compromised

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

Heart failure with fatigue

SOB

Question 4

Investigations that can be done?

Answer 4

ECG - will be abnormal
Echos
CMRI - oedema
Low threshhold for biopsy
Biomarkers - elevated but not in a MI pattern

Question 5

General treatment measures?

Answer 5

Supportive treatment of heart failure, heart block and arrhythmia’s
Immunotherapy if biopsy points to a specific diagnosis
Stop possible drugs/toxic exposures