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Pericarditis

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Definition:

Pericarditis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like covering around the heart.

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 systemic diseases such as autoimmune disorders , rheumatic fever , tuberculosis , cancer, leukemia, kidney failure , HIV infection, AIDS , and hypothyroidism.

Heart attack (see post-MI pericarditis ) and myocarditis can cause pericarditis, as can radiation therapy to the chest and medications that suppress the immune system. Pericarditis can also be caused by injury (including surgery) or trauma to the chest, esophagus, or heart.

Quite often the cause of pericarditis remains unknown, in which case it is called idiopathic pericarditis.

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

• Review Date: 11/6/2006
• Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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