Professional
Technical
IVT
Viral Myocarditis
Inflammation of the myocardium caused by viral infection, potentially leading to heart failure or arrhythmias.
Full Definition
Viral myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle caused by viral pathogens, most commonly enteroviruses, adenovirus, and parvovirus B19 in children. It can present as acute heart failure, chest pain, or arrhythmias, often following a viral prodromal illness. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, elevated cardiac biomarkers, echocardiographic findings, and sometimes cardiac MRI. Treatment is primarily supportive with heart failure management, though severe cases may require mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation.
Usage
Usage note: May progress to dilated cardiomyopathy; requires cardiac monitoring.
In Context
- "Elevated troponins and reduced ejection fraction suggested viral myocarditis following gastroenteritis." — Cardiology consultation
- "The teenager developed viral myocarditis with severe heart failure requiring ECMO support." — Intensive care unit note
Also known as
viral-induced myocarditis
infectious myocarditis
Don't confuse with
dilated cardiomyopathy
pericarditis
coronary artery disease