Myocarditis: Which Role for Genetics?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocarditis is a polymorphic disease, both in its presentation and clinical course. Recent data suggests that the genetic background, interacting with environmental factors, could be diriment both in the susceptibility and evolution of myocarditis in different clinical presentations. The aim of this paper is to expose the current available evidences and the evolving concepts on this topic, in order to provide insight for improving the clinical management of those patients. In this regard, the main goal is an optimal characterization of each patient's risk, with the purpose of individualizing the treatment and the follow-up.

RECENT FINDINGS: The latest research highlights the possible prognostic role of some pathogenic mutations that could create a vulnerable myocardium prone to myocardial inflammation and also to the development of a long-lasting cardiomyopathy. The identification of these genetic defects and of myocarditis patients requiring genetic testing is emerging as a challenge for the future. In fact, identifying a possible genetic background responsible for a particularly high-risk profile could be of extreme importance in improving management of myocarditis. This and many other aspects in the genetics of myocarditis remain uncovered, and further studies are expected based to refine our daily clinical practice.