[ Update 2001. Myocarditis--cardiomyopathy].

Myocarditis is a common cardiological disease. New molecular biological and immunohistological methods have confirmed the persistence of viral infection and chronic myocardial inflammation in a considerable number of patients. A causal link between viral myocarditis and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy has been recognized. This has prognostic implications and helps for the decision of a specific immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory and antiviral therapy.