Pediatric myocarditis is a condition in which the muscles of the heart (myocardium) become inflamed in infants, children and teens. Myocarditis can be acute, which means that the heart experiences a sudden inflammation over days or weeks and resolves quickly, or chronic, which means that it does not resolve quickly or symptoms reappear. In severe cases, myocarditis can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood, and can lead to other complications of the heart, such as arrhythmias and heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment for myocarditis typically results in more mild cases and shorter recovery time.

What causes pediatric myocarditis?

Pediatric myocarditis can have a variety of causes, including:

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, Kawasaki disease or rheumatoid arthritis
• Radiation
• Exposure to chemicals
• Adverse reactions to certain drugs

Signs and symptoms of myocarditis can mimic those of other illnesses and can vary depending on the patient’s age.

• Infants:
  • Easy fatigue and irritability
  • Decreased volume of feeds
  • Poor weight gain
  • Pale skin
• Young children:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Poor appetite
  • Easy fatigue
  • Recurrent cough or wheezing
• Older children and teens:
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Anorexia
  • Wheezing
  • Fast, fluttering or abnormal heart rate
  • Chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Fever
  • Pale skin

If your doctor suspects that your child has myocarditis, they will use a variety of imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis, which may include:

• Chest X-Ray: This test uses a small dose of radiation to create images of the heart, aorta, blood vessels and other structures.
• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of the heart and its structures.
• Electrocardiogram: Also known as an ECG, an electrocardiogram is a test where small stickers called electrodes are placed on your child’s skin to record the electrical activity of the heart and see how it is beating.
• MRI: Also known as magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI is an imaging test that uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to take high-quality pictures of your child’s heart, aorta and blood vessels.
• Cardiac Catheterization: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a large vein or artery, typically in the upper leg, to gain access to the vessels and chambers of the heart.

Oftentimes, the inflammation will go away on its own, but additional treatment may be needed in severe cases that affect heart function. If your pediatric cardiologist suspects that your child has myocarditis, your child may need to stay at the hospital overnight to be observed. Myocarditis medication typically involves anti-inflammatories, and your child’s heart function will be monitored closely.

Follow-up care for pediatric myocarditis

Most children with myocarditis have a complete recovery, with no long-term damage to the heart. In severe cases that result in chronic myocarditis, inflammation and heart damage may continue over time, affecting heart function. Some children may also experience scarring from myocarditis that may result in reduced heart function after the inflammation has stopped.

After your child has recovered from myocarditis they will need to visit a pediatric cardiologist once a year for checkups. The pediatric cardiologist will perform imaging tests such as an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram to help ensure your child’s heart is working as it should. If the myocarditis was severe, your child’s pediatric cardiologist will prescribe medications to help with your child’s heart function.

Outpatient Pediatric Cardiology Locations

Children’s Cardiology sees patients at more than 20 outpatient locations throughout Georgia.

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Device Clinic, Cardiac Stress Testing and Electrophysiology Lab Locations

Arthur M. Blank Hospital
2220 North Druid Hills Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-785-6476

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