Myocarditis in the child

Abstract

Myocarditis is an inflammatory process of the myocardium due to different causes which affect the myocardial cells, the intersticium and the vascular components. Its real incidence is unknown because many cases are not diagnosed. The causes include infectious and noninfectious agents, but viruses are the most frequent. The mechanism of the myocardial injury is a complex one and depends upon the aetiology. The clinical presentation varies according to the patient?s age, the nutritional status and the extension of myocardial damage. Clinical spectrum accounts asymptomatic patients, cardiac arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, thoracic pain, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, periferical embolisms, and sudden death. The electrocardiogram and echocardiography are important to confirm the diagnosis. The prognosis is variable and the treatment depends on the way of presentation.