Myocarditis is the end result of a heterogeneous group of conditions which cause inflammation of the myocardium. The resulting myocardial dysfunction may be responsible for significant morbidity and reduced life expectancy of the survivors. The condition is difficult to diagnose and treatment is on the whole rather unsatisfactory. Further work is undoubtedly required to identify methods for early identification of the condition and to develop better therapies aimed at preventing progression to chronic heart failure.