Myocarditis is most likely underreported and underdiagnosed because of its nonspecific symptoms, including chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and fever and its potential for spontaneous recovery.
Acute myocarditis is typically seen in younger people, with a median onset between ages 30 years and 45 years and is more common in men than in women. While most cases resolve without complication, the condition carries a risk for sudden cardiac death that can strike even healthy, athletic individuals.
New in the current guidelines is the ability to make a definitive diagnosis without a biopsy.
Cardiac imaging is superior for distinguishing between myocardial and pericardial inflammation and fibrotic tissue, the guidelines state. Data show late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance is one of the strongest independent predictors of sudden cardiac death, all-cause mortality, and cardiac mortality.
RU
EN