Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Causes
Infection (Viral, Protazoan, Bacterial, Fungal, Parasitic)

Toxins (Drugs)

Immunologic (Allergic, Rejection after a heart transplant, Autoantigens, Toxins, Heavy metals)

Physical agents (Electric shock, Hyperpyrexia, Radiation)

Signs and Symptoms
Chest Pain

Congestive Heart Failure

Palpitations

Sudden Death

Fever

Symptoms in infants and toddlers tend to be more nonspecific (Generalized malaise, poor appetite, abdominal pain, and/or chronic cough. Later stages are present with respitory symptoms with increased breathing.

Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)