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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor may think you have myocarditis if you've recently had a viral or other type of infection and then developed symptoms that suggest a swollen heart muscle.
Your doctor may also order one or more tests in addition to asking you questions and examining you to make a diagnosis of myocarditis and determine the severity of your condition, including:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). This noninvasive test evaluates your heart's electrical patterns and can detect abnormal rhythms, as well as a weakened or damaged heart muscle.
- Chest X-ray. An X-ray of your chest will image your heart, showing its size, shape and structure. An X-ray of your lungs can indicate whether there's a buildup of fluid in your lungs, which may mean your heart isn't pumping efficiently.
- Echocardiogram. Sound waves, or ultrasound, can create moving images of the beating heart. An echocardiogram may detect enlargement of your heart, poor pumping function, valve problems or fluid around your heart.
- Blood tests. These tests measure white and red blood cell counts, as well as levels of certain enzymes that indicate damage to your heart muscle. Blood tests can also detect antibodies against viruses and other organisms that may mean you have a myocarditis-related infection.
- Cardiac catheterization. In this test, a small tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein in your leg or neck, and then is threaded into your heart. A special instrument can remove a tiny sample of heart muscle tissue (biopsy) for analysis in the laboratory to see if there are signs of inflammation or infection.
