Myocarditis

Question 1

What is myocarditis ?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the myocardium (muscular middle layer) of the heart that pumps blood. This damages the heart’s ability to contract, and less blood gets pumped around. If severe enough, this can lead to heart failure or fibrosis of the heart.

Question 2

Myocarditis causes 20% of sudden/unexpected death in which age group ?

Answer 2

Childen and young adults

Question 3

What is the most common cause of viral myocarditis

Answer 3

• Group B Coxsackie virus (Most common !!!)

Question 4

What are the symptoms of endocarditis ?

Answer 4

• It begins with “flu” like symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms, then 1 or 2 weeks later if followed by
• Hypotension
• POSITIONAL chest pain
• Heart failure symptoms
• Cardiac palpitations/arrhythmias

Question 5

How to diagnose Myocarditis ?

Answer 5

• Sinus tachycardia
• T-wave inversions
• Saddle shape ST
• Increased troponin.
• Increased creatine kinase
• CXR - enlarged heart.
• Echo – inflamed heart muscles
• Biopsy – however, risk so not always done.

Question 6

How to treat myocarditis ?

Answer 6

Treatment

Viral – Usually improves on own.

Bacterial – Antibiotics

Supportive treatment

• Oxygen
• NSAIDS to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Heart Failure Treatment – eg Diuretics, anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots)