Myocarditis is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of myocardium. It can be produced by a myriad of etiologies including infectious, autoimmune, myocardial toxins, hypersensitivity reactions and physical agents. Virtually any infectious agent can produce myocardial inflammation and injury. Human myocarditis is most frequently caused by viral infection. Ongoing viral infection, myocardial destruction, and adverse remodeling can lead to persistent ventricular dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy. The modern molecular techniques have facilitated new insights into inflammatory autoimmune processes that affect the myocardium and ultimately result in acute or chronic dilated cardiomyopathy
