Myocarditis
Mycarditis is an inflammation of
the middle layer of the heart, the myocardium). Myocarditis
is not officially classified as an autoimmune disorder,
but I've included it because it has been associated
with many autoimmune conditions such as Lupus, connective
tissue diseases, Wegener's Granulamatosis, Rheumatoid
Arthritis and Sarcoidosis. Myocarditis can cause the
heart to become thick, swollen and weak and can lead
to heart failure.
Other causes of Myocarditis might include:
- allergic reactions to medications and drugs such
as alcohol, cocaine and some chemotherapy drugs
- certain viruses such as coxsackievirus B, GI infections,
measles, HIV, herpes, Hepatitis C and other viruses
- parasites
- bacterial infections
- fungi
Some initial symptoms of Myocarditis might include
chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, abnormal
heart rhythm, and fever, but many cases may have no
symptoms at all.
Symptoms:
Fever
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Diagnosis:
Typically, the first course in diagnosing Myocarditis
is an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if Myocarditis
exists and the severity of the condition. Other tests
such as CT Scan and MRI's may also be performed.
Blood tests may show:
Elevated Immunoglobulin M
Elevated Troponin
Elevated Creatine Kinase
Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Elevated C-Reactive Protein
Elevated Isoenzyme MB
For a conclusive diagnosis and severity determination,
a Cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy
may also be performed.
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to treat the underlying
cause of the Myocarditis first, and then treat the
symptoms and complications resulting from the Myocarditis.
This may include the use of antibiotics, diuretics
to remove excessive fluid, and anti-inflammatories.
Long-term treatment will require lifestyle adjustments
such as a low-salt diet and reduced physical activity.
Monitoring by a cardiac specialist is important and
medications may be used on a continuous basis to regulate
heart rhythm and blood thinners may also be required.
Prognosis:
The prognosis usually depends on the severity of
the damage caused by the Myocarditis and so the outlook
will vary patient to patient. Some people recover
very quickly while others have permanent heart damage
such as Cardiomyopathy, Heart Failure, Pericarditis
and other heart-related complications.
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