[Viral myocarditis (the etiologic, clinical, diagnostic and treatment problems)]

To elucidate the etiology of respiratory infection and pharyngitis associated myocarditis a serological study was made of 201 patients who were successively admitted with a clinical diagnosis of myocarditis. Coxsackie viral infection of group B, influenza A and B, para-influenza and adenoviral infection and beta-hemolytical streptococcus of group A were determined. Preceding Coxsackie infection was established in 38,3% of the patients, influenza A and B in 27.5%, adenoviral infection in 3.6% and para-influenza in 1.7%. beta-hemolytical streptococcus as the cause of myocarditis was detected in 4.9% of the patients only. In view of the viral etiology of most cases of myocarditis the authors discussed the problems of its pathogenesis, clinical course and therapy.