Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis by Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Imaging in the Mouse
Published on: June 20, 2014
Myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy
The recent developments in the study of myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy are reviewed here, with the primary emphasis on the issue of myocarditis as a precursor to dilated cardiomyopathy. Advances in immunologic approaches have expanded our knowledge of the course of myocarditis, experimentally as well as clinically. Although further investigations are necessary to prove the direct link between acute myocarditis and some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, clinical trials of immunosuppressive agents, virus-specific vaccine, and antiviral agents such as ribavirin and interferon appear warranted, with the hope of potential benefits in the treatment of myocarditis and, therefore, in some forms of dilated cardiomyopathy.
The recent developments in the study of myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy are reviewed here, with the primary emphasis on the issue of myocarditis as a precursor to dilated cardiomyopathy. Advances in immunologic approaches have expanded our knowledge of the course of myocarditis, experimentally as well as clinically. Although further investigations are necessary to prove the direct link between acute myocarditis and some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, clinical trials of immunosuppressive agents, virus-specific vaccine, and antiviral agents such as ribavirin and interferon appear warranted, with the hope of potential benefits in the treatment of myocarditis and, therefore, in some forms of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

