Inflammatory disorders of the heart. Pericarditis, myocarditis, and endocarditis.

The emergency physician frequently sees patients with cardiac complaints. Too often, ischemic heart disease is overwhelmingly considered to the exclusion of other diagnostic possibilities such as inflammatory cardiac disorders. These disorders can cause considerable discomfort, have long-term implications, or lead to more serious cardiac disorders. Emergency physicians must have a practical understanding of the diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic approach to patients with inflammatory cardiac disorders.