Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
myocarditis
Inflammatory condition of the myocardium characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and myocyte damage.
Full Definition
Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle that can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, toxins, or drugs. The condition is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration (lymphocytes, macrophages, or other inflammatory cells) associated with myocyte necrosis or degeneration. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to fulminant heart failure. Diagnosis often requires endomyocardial biopsy with specific histological criteria.
Usage
Usage note: Should be distinguished from pericarditis, which affects the pericardium rather than myocardium.
In Context
- "The endomyocardial biopsy confirmed acute myocarditis with lymphocytic infiltration." — Pathology report
- "Viral myocarditis was suspected based on the clinical presentation and cardiac biomarkers." — Clinical case report
Also known as
inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Don't confuse with
pericarditis
ischemic cardiomyopathy