viral myocarditis

Viral myocarditis refers to acute or chronic inflammatory lesions of the myocardium, localized or diffuse, caused by viral infection, and belongs to infectious myocardial diseases. During epidemic viral infection periods, about 5% of patients develop myocarditis, and it can also occur sporadically. The clinical manifestations vary in severity. The diagnosis is considered based on a typical antecedent infection history, corresponding clinical manifestations, and evidence of myocardial injury shown by electrocardiography, myocardial injury markers, and echocardiography. Definitive diagnosis depends on endomyocardial biopsy. Currently, there is no specific treatment; treatment mainly targets the viral infection and myocardial inflammation. Most patients recover after appropriate treatment, and very few die during the acute phase due to severe arrhythmias, acute heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. Some patients may progress to dilated cardiomyopathy.