Myocarditis vs. Pericarditis — What's the Difference?

Myocarditis, also known as inflammatory cardiomyopathy, is an acquired cardiomyopathy due to inflammation of the heart muscle. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, decreased ability to exercise, and an irregular heartbeat.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart). Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp chest pain, which may also be felt in the shoulders, neck, or back.

Inflammation of the myocardium.

Inflammation of the pericardium.

Inflammation of the myocardium.

Inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart.

Inflammation of the myocardium.

Inflammation of the pericardium

Inflammation of the myocardium (the muscular tissue of the heart)