Myocarditis Flashcards
1
Q
What is the pathophysiology of myocarditis?
A
Infiltration of inflammatory cells in myocardial layer leads to reduced function and heart failure as well as heart block and arrhythmias
2
Q
What are the symptoms of myocarditis?
A
Heart failure with fatigue
Dyspnoea
Constrictive pericarditis
3
Q
What are the investigations for myocarditis?
A
CHEST XRAY - cardiac enlargement
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM - ST and t wave abnormalities, arrhythmias, heart block
CARDIAC ENZYMES - elevated, but not with falling pattern as seen with an MI
VIRAL ANTIBODY TITRES - elevated
ENOMYOCARDIAL BIOPSY - acute inflammation
VIRAL DNA - PCR, specific diagnosis requires demonstration of active viral replication
4
Q
What is the treatment for myocarditis?
A
Treat underlying cause Diuretics, ACEI, beta blockers for heart failure Immunotherapy Antibiotics Stop drugs or toxic agent exposure Pericardial effusion
