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Question

Please may I have some information on pericarditis?

Answer

Pericarditis is a term which describes any inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is the membrane which surrounds the heart. There are two portions, an outer, fibrous sac which completely encloses the heart, and an inner membrane, which is called the serous pericardium. This is attached closely to the muscle of the wall of the heart. There is a very small amount of fluid in the sac, which prevents friction as the two surfaces slide over each other when the heart beats.

Pericarditis can be caused by infections, bacterial or viral, or as a result of infection in the lungs, or trauma to the heart itself. In some cases the cause is unkown, in which case it is called idiopathic pericarditis.

There are also cases where pericarditis can involve abnormal amounts of fluid building up within the sac, in which case it is called a pericardial effusion. This can be caused by infections such as TB or by cancers.

Pericarditis can be acute, meaning that it happens suddenly, or chronic, meaning that it is present for at least three months. Acute pericarditis can happen as a result of infection or after a heart attack.

There may be no symptoms at all, or the person can experience chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath. Chronic pericarditis is often painless.

Treatment depends on the cause.

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