Abstract

Myocarditis is a heterogeneous disease that is usually self-limiting, but its complications may include chronic dilative cardiomyopathy and heart failure. In rare cases, myocarditis can be fulminant and cause acute haemodynamic compromise and cardiogenic shock. In these cases, mechanical circulatory support may be necessary.

Myocarditis should be diagnosed using universal criteria and in many cases (dilated cardiomyopathy, fulminant myocarditis), endomyocardial biopsy is indicated. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is very important in the diagnostics of myocarditis. The complications of myocarditis should be treated as per international guidelines.