Myocarditis

The vague symptoms these patients present with make this a difficult to diagnose condition in the emergency room and a high clinical suspicion must be maintained.- Erik Handberg, MD

Myocarditis
Myocarditis

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Menacing Muscle: Acute myocarditis in adults

Myocarditis is inflammation of cardiac muscle caused by a variety of conditions. It has a variable presentation, ranging from acute to chronic inflammation, with focal to diffuse myocardial involvement. It has been recognized as a frequent cause of sudden cardiac death, up to 20% in young adults. It is commonly quoted that myocarditis is the most common cause of acute heart failure in patients <40 years old.

Despite these frightening facts, it remains an elusive diagnosis, especially in children. This is likely because most cases are mild, resolve without sequelae, and those patients do not seek medical attention. In 2013, there were an estimated 22 per 100,000 cases worldwide. This…

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 Menacing Muscle: Acute myocarditis in adults

It has a variable presentation, ranging from acute to chronic inflammation, with focal to diffuse myocardial involvement. It has been recognized as a frequent cause of sudden cardiac death, up to 20% in young adults. It is commonly quoted that myocarditis is the most common cause of acute heart failure in patients <40 years old. Despite these frightening facts, it remains an elusive diagnosis, especially in children.

emDOCs

Initial diagnosis is often delayed due to wide range of non-specific symptoms. Misdiagnosis is common and often includes asthma, pneumonia, URI, or gastroenteritis in pediatric patients.

LITFL

Paradoxically the more fulminant -> the better the prognosis.

Pediatric EM Morsels

Studies have consistently shown that younger children do not typically present with “cardiac” symptoms. Adolescents may present with more chest pain complaints similar to adults.

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