Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model
Published on: November 29, 2024
Myocarditis and cardiomyopathy
Jonathan Buggey1, Chantal A ElAmm
1University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Insights
This review summarizes myocarditis, a cause of cardiomyopathy. Advancements in cardiac MRI aid diagnosis, but endomyocardial biopsy remains crucial for accurate assessment and treatment guidance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Myocarditis presents heterogeneously with potentially fatal outcomes.
- Immune activation, including cytokine and autoantibody responses, drives myocardial damage.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy develops in approximately one-third of myocarditis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of myocarditis-associated cardiomyopathy.
- To highlight recent advancements in understanding and diagnosing this condition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on myocarditis and cardiomyopathy.
- Analysis of diagnostic modalities, including cardiac MRI and endomyocardial biopsy.
- Evaluation of current and emerging treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Cardiac MRI, particularly T1/T2 mapping, has improved diagnostic accuracy.
- Endomyocardial biopsy, especially left ventricular sampling, is essential for definitive diagnosis.
- Pathogenesis involves a complex, multi-phase immune response.
Conclusions:
- Despite improved diagnostics, treatment for myocarditis-associated cardiomyopathy relies on standard heart failure therapies or advanced support.
- Accurate diagnosis through biopsy aids prognostication and guides tailored treatment.
- Further research is needed to develop targeted therapies for this unique pathophysiology.
Purpose Of Review:
The aim of this study is to summarize the literature describing the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of cardiomyopathy related to myocarditis.
Recent Findings:
Myocarditis has a variety of causes and a heterogeneous clinical presentation with potentially life-threatening complications. About one-third of patients will develop a dilated cardiomyopathy and the pathogenesis is a multiphase, mutlicompartment process that involves immune activation, including innate immune system triggered proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies. In recent years, diagnosis has been aided by advancements in cardiac MRI, and in particular T1 and T2 mapping sequences. In certain clinical situations, endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) should be performed, with consideration of left ventricular sampling, for an accurate diagnosis that may aid treatment and prognostication.
Summary:
Although overall myocarditis accounts for a minority of cardiomyopathy and heart failure presentations, the clinical presentation is variable and the pathophysiology of myocardial damage is unique. Cardiac MRI has significantly improved diagnostic abilities, but endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard. However, current treatment strategies are still focused on routine heart failure pharmacotherapies and supportive care or cardiac transplantation/mechanical support for those with end-stage heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

