“VIRAL MYOCARDITIS AND ITS PATHOGENESIS ICD-10 (I00-I99, I30-I52, I41)”

Abstract

This article analyzes the clinical, epidemiological, and pathophysiological characteristics of myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the cardiac muscle (myocardium), most commonly associated with rheumatic, infectious, or infectious-allergic etiological factors. The disease may present in acute or chronic forms, with acute myocarditis characterized by dyspnea, cyanosis, peripheral edema, jugular venous distension, chest pain, tachycardia, and various arrhythmias. Myocarditis frequently develops following infectious conditions such as diphtheria, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, and influenza. Due to asymptomatic or mild clinical manifestations and delayed diagnosis, the actual prevalence of myocarditis is significantly higher than reported. Autopsy studies reveal inflammatory changes in the myocardium in 4–9% of cases. Mortality from acute myocarditis ranges from 1% to 7%, and in young individuals it accounts for 17–21% of sudden death cases. Myocarditis leads to the development of heart failure and cardiac rhythm disorders, which represent the leading causes of mortality. Although the disease is more common among individuals aged 30–40, it may occur at any age. Despite being less frequent in men, myocarditis tends to present with more severe forms, indicating clinically significant sex-related differences. This article highlights the diagnostic challenges, clinical consequences, and epidemiological importance of myocarditis, emphasizing the need for early detection and effective management strategies.