Pericarditis Health Article

Licensed from Print
Table of Contents
Reviewer Info: Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 05/15/2008
Page: 1 2 Next >

Definition

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

See also: Bacterial pericarditis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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 pericarditis). Some fungal infections can also produce pericarditis.

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

Other causes include:

Often the cause of pericarditis remains unknown. In this case, the condition is called idiopathic 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.

Symptoms

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

Signs and tests

When listening to the heart with a stethoscope, the health care provider can hear a sound called a pericardial rub. The heart sounds may be muffled or distant. There may be other signs of fluid in the pericardium (pericardial effusion).

If the disorder is severe, there may be:

If fluid has built up in the pericardial sac, it may show on:

These tests show:

Other findings vary depending on the cause of pericarditis.

To rule out heart attack, the health care provider may order serial cardiac marker levels (CK -MB and troponin I). Other laboratory tests may include:

Page: 1 2 Next >

advertisement

Back to Top Print

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.