Myocarditis occurs as an inflammatory state of the myocardium. The most common kind is caused by a virus resulting in viral myocarditis, affecting usually young men and infants. The viral form is usually restricted to the heart and is most often caused by Coxsackie virus. It's usuallly a mild disease with pericardial pain, weakness and fatigue, but immune-suppression can lead to more serious symptoms including possible acute heart failure. Fetuses and newborns are most vulnerable.
Reference List
1. Nowak TJ, Handford AG. Pathophysiology: Concepts and Applications for Health Professionals. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004.
