An overview of acute myocarditis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of Acute Myocarditis (AM). Bibliographic review: AM is a heart inflammation of recent onset (generally less than 1 month). It can be caused by infections, exposure to drugs or toxic substances, and abnormal immunoreactivity. Its clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic or minor illness to high-risk cardiac conditions with severe heart failure (HF), refractory arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock and sudden cardiac death. An incidence of 22/100,000 inhabitants is estimated, that is, 1.5 million cases in the world population, accounting for 5 to 22% of sudden cardiac deaths in young people. Final considerations: Acute myocarditis is an inflammatory heart disease, whose diagnosis is difficult because it is asymptomatic or because it has symptoms similar to other cardiac conditions such as acute myocardial infarction. Its diagnosis is based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, the imaging method of choice, and endocardial biopsy. The treatment of acute myocarditis is carried out first by looking at its etiology and then at supportive measures and associated complications. In addition, the patient is recommended to abstain from physical activities and follow up with a cardiologist.