Carditis

A general term for inflammation of any part of the heart or its linings. There are 3 types of carditis: myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), which is usually caused by a viral infection; endocarditis (inflammation of the internal lining of the heart), which is usually due to a bacterial infection; and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer covering of the heart), which is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection but may be associated with a myocardial infarction or an autoimmune disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

 

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