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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffMyocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium, the middle layer of the heart wall. A variety of signs and symptoms, including chest pain, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, can be caused by myocarditis.
If myocarditis becomes severe, the pumping action of your heart weakens, and your heart won't be able to supply the rest of your body with enough blood. Clots also could form in your heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack.
Myocarditis is usually caused by a viral infection. Treatment for myocarditis depends on the underlying cause.
- Allan CK, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of myocarditis in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Cooper LT. Myocarditis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:1526.
- Cooper LT. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of myocarditis in adults, http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Schultz JC, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of viral myocarditis. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2009;84:1001.
- Bashore TM, et al. Heart disease. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3671. Accessed Jan. 16, 2010.
- O'Connell JB, et al. Myocarditis. In: Crawford MH. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Cardiology. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3647982. Accessed Jan. 16, 2010.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 25, 2010.
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