Uremic pericarditis
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Pericarditis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Uremic pericarditis On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Uremic pericarditis |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Renal failure if not managed adequately can lead to pericardial effusion and pericarditis, also known as uremic pericarditis. This is due to build up of metabolic toxins such as urea, creatinine, methylguanidine which cause inflammation of pericardium. With the introduction of dialysis, the incidence of uremic pericarditis has been considerably lowered[1].
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of uremic pericarditis is not fully understood. However, there is a correlation observed with levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. In renal failure, the absence or inadequate dialysis can lead to accumulation of these toxins in the body which may cause inflammation of pericardium.