How is a diagnosis of myocarditis often confirmed?

The diagnosis of myocarditis is most reliably confirmed through an endomyocardial biopsy or cardiac MRI. Endomyocardial biopsy involves taking a small sample of heart tissue, which can then be examined for inflammation, necrosis, or other histological changes characteristic of myocarditis. This procedure provides direct evidence of the disease and helps differentiate it from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Cardiac MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that can assess the heart's structure and function and detect myocardial inflammation. It is particularly useful for evaluating the extent of inflammation, edema, and fibrosis in the myocardium, which are key indicators of myocarditis.

While other tests like electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, and blood tests provide valuable information and can support the overall clinical picture, they do not specifically diagnose myocarditis. An electrocardiogram can indicate electrical abnormalities commonly associated with myocarditis, but it cannot confirm the presence of inflammation in the heart muscle. Chest X-rays can show cardiomegaly or fluid accumulation but are not specific for myocarditis. Blood tests may reveal elevated markers of inflammation or cardiac injury, but again, they lack specificity for diagnosing myocarditis. Thus, the combination of endomyocardial biopsy or cardiac MRI is the