Myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents.

Two of the most common inflammatory disorders affecting the heart, myocarditis and pericarditis, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in adolescents. In this review, the clinical presentation, underlying etiologies, and treatment options for these disorders are discussed. As viral causes of both disorders are commonplace, issues regarding the identification of the causative virus and potential future approaches to the care of these individuals are also discussed.