Myocarditis

Diagnosis

Tests to diagnose myocarditis include:

Electrocardiogram
This test records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle stress.

Chest X-ray
This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy to produce images onto film that can show an enlarged heart and fluid buildup in the lungs, a sign of heart failure.

Echocardiogram (echo)
The echo evaluates the structure and function of the heart with sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor. This produces a moving picture of the heart, which may show weak heart muscle, an enlarged heart, or fluid surrounding the heart.

Blood tests
Blood samples are tested for infection or signs of inflammation and are measured for enzyme levels that signal damage to the heart muscle. Blood tests may also reveal one of the viruses that has been linked to myocarditis.

Heart tissue biopsy
A tiny sample of the heart muscle is removed and examined for infection or inflammation. Heart tissue biopsy is rarely done.