Definition of Myocarditis, viral

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Myocarditis, viral: Inflammation of the muscles in the walls of the heart due to a viral infection. Among the offenders are dozen of different common viruses, including the adenovirus, coxsackievirus, poliovirus, echoviruses, and influenza viruses. Destruction of the heart muscle cells may lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. See also: Myocarditis.