myocarditis

Question 1

sx

Answer 1

patients present with cardiac-type chest pain, fatigue, palpitations, and symptoms of heart failure. Myocarditis can in some cases present with sudden unexplained cardiac death.

Examination findings are non-specific. Signs of heart failure may be evident (along with S3 and S4 gallops). If pericarditis is associated, auscultation can reveal a pericardial friction rub.

Question 2

gold standard investgiation

Answer 2

Endomyocardial biopsy via cardiac catheterisation is the gold standard diagnostic tool, but is associated with its own risks as it is an invasive test.

Question 3

what do ECG and troponin show

Answer 3

ECG demonstrates non-specific ST segment and T wave changes (which may be regional, depending on degree and location of myocardial involvement), along with ectopic beats and arrhythmias if present. Troponin enzymes can be markedly elevated. Echocardiogram can reveal ventricular dysfunction if present, in the form of diastolic dysfunction or regional wall motion abnormalities.

Cardiac MRI findings can help confirm the diagnosis of myocarditis by showing the presence and extent of inflammation.

corticosteriods can be used if viral to help out