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Pericarditis - Overview

Definition of Pericarditis:

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

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:

Heart attack (see post-MI pericarditis)
Injury (including surgery) or trauma to the chest, esophagus, 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 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.

Pericardium

Pericarditis

Reviewed last on: 5/15/2008
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.

References

LeWinter MM. Pericardial Diseases. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 70.

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