A collection of pus located inside the muscle of the heart. This rare entity can be seen as a complication of infective endocarditis. Patients have fever and leukocytosis. Frequently, the causative bacteria or fungi can be isolated from the bloodstream. Most patients with myocardial abscess also have abscesses in other internal organs.

Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. Patients with malignancy and alcoholic hepatic disease may be at increased risk of this infection. Echocardiography (especially transesophageal echocardiography) may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis.