Question 1

A previously healthy patient presents with sudden onset of dyspnea, fatigue, and orthopnea. A family history is negative. The provider suspects myocarditis. What is the most likely etiology for this patient?

A) Autoimmune disorder
B) Bacterial infection
C) Protozoal infection
D) Viral infection

D

Accepted Answer

Myocarditis is most commonly caused by a viral infection. Autoimmune disorders, bacterial infections, and protozoal infections can also cause myocarditis, but viral infections are the most common cause.

Question 2

Which test is diagnostic for diagnosing myocarditis?&#10;A) Echocardiogram&#10;B) Electrocardiogram&#10;C) Endomyocardial biopsy&#10;D) Magnetic resonance imaging

Accepted Answer

Endomyocardial biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing myocarditis. It involves taking a small piece of heart tissue for examination under a microscope, which can provide a definitive diagnosis of the condition. Echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and magnetic resonance imaging can provide helpful information, but they are not diagnostic on their own.

Question 3

A patient who is an avid long-distant runner is diagnosed with viral myocarditis. What will the provider tell this patient when asked when resuming exercising is permitted?&#10;A) Exercise is contraindicated for life.&#10;B) Exercise may resume when symptoms subside.&#10;C) He may resume exercise in 6 months.&#10;D) He must be symptom-free for 1 year.

Accepted Answer

He may resume exercise in 6 months. This recommendation is based on allowing adequate time for the heart to recover from the inflammation caused by viral myocarditis, reducing the risk of further cardiac damage or complications.

Deck 106: Myocarditis