Quantitative evaluation of inflammation in biopsy specimens from idiopathically failing or irritable hearts: experience in 80 pediatric and adult patients.

The histologic criteria for the diagnosis of myocarditis on an endomyocardial biopsy specimen are troubled by varying institutional criteria and interobserver differences. A comprehensive approach to tissue evaluation including quantitative assessment of mononuclear cell populations enhances the accuracy and the specificity of the morphologic diagnosis. Future efforts to characterize the infiltrating cell lines in inflammatory conditions of the heart will aid in the ultimate refinement of therapeutic efficacy.