Giant Cell Myocarditis
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Giant Cell Myocarditis is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Giant cell myocarditis is a rare cardiovascular disorder that occurs for unknown reasons (idiopathic). It is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), a condition referred to as myocarditis. Inflammation is caused by widespread infiltration of giant cells associated with other inflammatory cells and heart muscle cell destruction. Giant cells are abnormal masses produced by the fusion of inflammatory cells called macrophages. Individuals with giant cell myocarditis may develop abnormal heartbeats, chest pain and, eventually, heart failure. Many individuals eventually require a heart transplant. The disorder most often occurs in young adults.
Myocarditis Foundation
2201 River Road #3401
Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
Tel: (732)295-3700
Fax: (732)295-3701
Tel: (866)846-1600
Email: candace@myocarditisfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.myocarditisfoundation.org/
It is possible that the main title of the report Giant Cell Myocarditis is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synonyms
- GCM
- idiopathic giant cell myocarditis
Disorder Subdivisions
- None
General Discussion
Giant cell myocarditis is a rare cardiovascular disorder that occurs for unknown reasons (idiopathic). It is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), a condition referred to as myocarditis. Inflammation is caused by widespread infiltration of giant cells associated with other inflammatory cells and heart muscle cell destruction. Giant cells are abnormal masses produced by the fusion of inflammatory cells called macrophages. Individuals with giant cell myocarditis may develop abnormal heartbeats, chest pain and, eventually, heart failure. Many individuals eventually require a heart transplant. The disorder most often occurs in young adults.
Resources
Myocarditis Foundation
2201 River Road #3401
Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
Tel: (732)295-3700
Fax: (732)295-3701
Tel: (866)846-1600
Email: candace@myocarditisfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.myocarditisfoundation.org/
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