DefinitionBy Mayo Clinic staff Myocarditis is an inflammation of
the myocardium, the middle layer of the heart wall. Myocarditis
is usually caused by a viral infection. Signs and symptoms of
myocarditis include chest pain, heart failure and abnormal heart
rhythms. 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. Treatment for
myocarditis depends on the underlying cause. - Kindermann I, et
al. Update on myocarditis. Journal of the American College of
Cardiology. 2012;59:779. - Cooper LT. Clinical manifestations
and diagnosis of myocarditis in adults.
http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 14, 2012. -
Schultz JC, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of viral myocarditis.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2009;84:1001. - Schultheiss HP, et al.
The management of myocarditis. European Heart Journal.
2011;32:2616. - Allan CK, et al. Clinical manife