تعريف
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart’s muscular wall, the myocardium. Although rare, it can be devastating. Myocarditis can occur with no symptoms and remain undiagnosed.
أسباب
Many cases of myocarditis have no identifiable cause. This is called idiopathic myocarditis. When a cause is identified, it falls into one of three categories: infectious, toxic, or immune-mediated.
Infectious
- Viral infection from viruses like measles, rabies, or HIV
- Bacterial infection from bacteria like diphtheria or Mycobacterium
- Fungal infection from فطر الرشاشيات أو المبيضات
Toxic
- Drugs, including chemotherapeutic drugs, lithium , or cocaine
- Heavy metals, including copper, iron, or lead
- Toxic substances, including arsenic, carbon monoxide, or other inhalants
- Physical agents, including electric shock or radiation
Immune-mediated
- Allergic reactions to penicillin or streptomycin
- Alloantigens, including heart transplant rejection
- Autoantigens, including Chagas’ disease, scleroderma, or lupus
عوامل الخطر
عامل الخطر هو الشيء الذي يزيد من فرصتك في الإصابة بمرض أو حالة.
There are no known risk factors for developing myocarditis.
الأعراض
The symptoms of myocarditis vary from person-to-person depending on the cause and the severity. Symptoms may appear slowly or come on suddenly.
If you have any of these symptoms you should contact your doctor right away.
- Flu-like complaints, including fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- ألم في الصدر
- Shortness of breath and respiratory distress
- فقدان الوعي
- Sudden, unexpected death
Sudden, intense myocarditis can lead to congestive heart failure.
Some people have no symptoms (asymptomatic).
التشخيص
The diagnosis of myocarditis is often difficult. There is no specific test for it. Many other causes of heart problems must be ruled out. To do this, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
وقد تشمل الاختبارات التالية:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) —a test that records the heart’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle.
- Chest x-ray —a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body.
- Cardiac enzyme blood test—in some cases certain enzymes are elevated.
- Echocardiogram —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart.
- Biopsy —removal of a sample of heart tissue to test for infection.
- Cardiovascular magnetic resonance—the use of magnetic waves to take pictures of structures inside the body.
العلاج
The universally recommended therapy for myocarditis is bedrest, no physical activity, and supplemental oxygen. Corticosteroids may be given to help inflammation. You will most likely be admitted to a hospital.
Specific treatment is directed at the underlying cause if possible. For instance:
- If the cause is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed.
- If it is viral, antiviral agents will be prescribed.
- Immunosuppressive therapy may be used if myocarditis is due to an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or scleroderma.
If heart failure symptoms are present, medications are given to support the function of the heart. These include diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and antiarrhythmic agents.
Additionally, a defibrillator, which helps maintain the normal rhythm of the heart, may be implanted into your chest. Severe cases may require a cardiac transplant.
الوقاية
Myocarditis is hard to prevent. To help reduce your chances of getting myocarditis, reduce your exposure to identified causes. Some examples include:
- Practice good hygiene to avoid the spread of infection. For example, wash your hands regularly.
- Always use latex condoms during النشاط الجنسي.
- Have sex with only one partner, who has sex only with you.
- Do not use illegal drugs.