Myocarditis is an inflammation of the muscle of the heart, causing it to function poorly.
The inflammation is usually caused by a viral infection. Sometimes the patient recovers from the virus, but a process of inflammation started by the virus continues. Myocarditis is mostly seen in young infants. Some infants are exposed to a virus before being born.
Treatment for myocarditis is based on treating the symptoms of the heart function. If mild or moderate, medications can help. If the damage to the heart muscle from inflammation is severe, there is no surgery to help other than heart transplantation.