Myocarditis primarily leads to which outcome in the heart?

Myocarditis primarily leads to scarring and fibrosis in the heart. This condition, characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), can result from viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or toxic exposures. When inflammation occurs, the damage to the myocardial cells can lead to necrosis and subsequent healing processes that involve the formation of fibrous tissue.

This fibrotic tissue replaces normal heart muscle, which affects the heart's ability to contract and can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy over time. The presence of scar tissue also disrupts the normal electrical conduction pathways, potentially leading to arrhythmias. Therefore, in the context of myocarditis, the development of scarring and fibrosis represents a significant pathological outcome, which can have lasting effects on cardiac function and overall health.