Autoimmune myocarditis
Overview
Autoimmune myocarditis is an autoimmune disease that affects the heart. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). Some people with autoimmune myocarditis have no noticeable symptoms of the condition.
Symptoms
When present, signs and symptoms may include
- Chest pain
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Signs of infection (i.e. fever, headache, sore throat, diarrhea)
- Leg swelling
Causes
The exact underlying cause of the condition is currently unknown; however, autoimmune conditions, in general, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of myocarditis can be made by endomyocardial biopsy and the most frequent cardiotropic viruses detected include Parvo B19, measles, chicken pox, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, and influenza virus.
Treatment
Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person. In some cases, medications that suppress the immune system may be recommended.
Resources
- NIH