MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Myocarditis

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Myocarditis

Myocarditis is inflammation and weakness of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection that reaches the heart, such as the influenza (flu) virus, Coxsackie virus, and adenovirus. Myocarditis can damage the heart muscle causing it to become thick and swollen. This leads to symptoms of heart failure. Myocarditis may also occur during or after other viral or bacterial infections such as polio, rubella, Lyme disease, and others.

Update Date: 4/24/2008

Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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