Pericarditis (patient information)

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What is Diseases of the pericardium?

Pericarditis is a condition in which the sac-like covering around the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed.

What are the symptoms of Diseases of the pericardium?

• Chest pain, caused by the inflamed pericardium rubbing against the heart

May radiate to the neck, shoulder, back, or abdomen Often increases with deep breathing and lying flat, and may increase with coughing and swallowing. Pleuritis type: a sharp, stabbing pain Usually relieved by sitting up and leaning forward

• Fever
• Ankle, feet, and leg swelling (occasionally)
• Anxiety
• Breathing difficulty when lying down
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Need to bend over or hold the chest while breathing

What causes Diseases of the pericardium?

Pericarditis is usually a complication of viral infections, most commonly echovirus or coxsackie virus. Less frequently, it is caused by influenza or HIV infection.

Infections with bacteria can lead to bacterial pericarditis (also called purulent(pus) pericarditis). Some fungal infections can also produce pericarditis.

In addition, pericarditis can be associated with diseases such as:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer (including leukemia)
• HIV infection and AIDS
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney failure
• Rheumatic fever
• Tuberculosis

Other causes include:

Heart attack (see post-MI pericarditis) Injury (including surgery) or trauma to the chest, esophagus(food pipe), or heart Medications that suppress the immune system Myocarditis Radiation therapy to the chest Often the cause of pericarditis remains unknown. In this case, the condition is called idiopathic(unknown cause) pericarditis.

Pericarditis most often affects men aged 20 - 50. It usually follows respiratory infections. In children, it is most commonly caused by adenovirus or coxsackie virus.

When to seek urgent medical care

Pericarditis can be potentially life threatening and one should seek medical care when suffering from symptoms of pericarditis. Severe chest pain, fainting, palpitations and high grade fever maybe ominous signs and may indicate build up of fluids within the pericardium, called cardiac tamponade.

Where to find medical care for Diseases of the pericardium

Directions to Hospitals Treating Diseases of the pericardium