Updates on autoimmune myocarditis pathogenesis and its clinical significance

Autoimmunity is influenced by genetic, immune, hormonal, and environmental factors.Viral infections may trigger autoimmunity.It has been established that autoimmunity may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of heart disease.Myocarditis is defined as inflammation of the heart muscle associated with impaired function of the myocardium.Myocarditis is considered as the most common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy.Myocarditis may be caused by infectious factors and noninfectious factors, noninfectious factors including autoimmune diseases with myocarditis.To gain a better understanding of autoimmune myocarditis, we summarize the pathogenesis and clinical significance of autoimmune myocarditis. Key words: Autoimmune myocarditis; Pathogenesis; Clinical significance