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Myocarditis

Alternative Names: Inflammation - heart muscle; Cardiomyopathy Symptoms: History of preceding viral illness Fever Chest pain that may resemble a heart attack Joint pain or swelling Abnormal heart beats Fatigue Shortness of breath Leg swelling Inability to lie flat Total absence of symptoms is common Text Continues Below Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: Fainting, often related to arrhythmias Low urine output Other symtoms consistent with a viral infection -- headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, sore throat, rashes Signs and tests: A physical examination may detect a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) or abnormal heart beats, abnormal heart sounds (murmurs, extra heart sounds), fluid in the lungs and fluid in the skin of the legs. In addition, other signs suggestive of an infection may be present: fever, rashes, red throat, itchy eyes, swollen joints. Tests used in the diagnosis of myocarditis include: Electrocardiogram (ECG) Chest x-ray Ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) -- may show weak heart muscle, an enlarged heart, or fluid surrounding the heart. White blood cell count Red blood cell count Blood cultures for infection Blood tests for antibodies against the heart muscle and the body itself Heart muscle biopsy - rarely performed

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