Endomyocardial biopsy can be indicated to determine which inflammatory condition?

• A. Myocarditis
• B. Pericarditis only
• C. Aneurysm
• D. Aortic dissection

Answer: (A)

Endomyocardial biopsy is used to obtain heart muscle tissue to look for inflammatory changes directly in the myocardium. By analyzing the tissue, clinicians can confirm myocarditis and, in some cases, identify the specific inflammatory pattern or type (such as lymphocytic, eosinophilic, or giant cell), which can influence treatment decisions like immunosuppression or targeted therapies. This makes it the best choice when an inflammatory myocardial process is suspected and tissue confirmation will change management. It is not used to diagnose pericarditis, which involves the lining around the heart, nor to diagnose aneurysm or aortic dissection, which are vascular conditions best evaluated with imaging.