Myocarditis

Alternative names:

inflammation of heart muscle

Definition:

A disorder caused by inflammation of the middle layer of heart muscle.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Myocarditis may be a complication during or after various viral, bacterial, or parasitic infectious diseases, such as polio, influenza, rubella or rheumatic fever. Viral infections such as coxsackie virus, adenovirus, and echovirus are the most common cause in children. It may also be caused by radiation, exposure to chemicals or medication, or connective tissue diseases.

The middle layer of heart muscle becomes inflamed and irritated, causing rapid onset of heart failure or other symptoms. It is a fairly uncommon disorder, affecting approximately 8 out of 100,000 people.