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Pericarditis
DefinitionPericarditis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like covering of the heart.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pericarditis is usually a complication of viral infections caused by adenovirus and coxsackie virus. Less frequently, it can be caused by the polio, influenza or rubella viruses. 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 infections, AIDS and hypothyroidism. Heart disorders which can cause pericarditis include heart attack (see post-MI pericarditis) and myocarditis. Radiation therapy to the chest and medications that suppress the immune system can also sometimes induce this condition.
Pericarditis can also result from injury (including surgery) or trauma to the chest, esophagus or heart.
Quite often, the cause of pericarditis remains unknown; this disorder is called idiopathic pericarditis.
Pericarditis most often affects men ages 20 to 50, usually following respiratory infections. It can also occur in children, where it is most commonly caused by adenovirus or coxsackie virus.
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Definition Pericarditis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Pericarditis Symptoms & Signs Pericarditis Prevention Pericarditis Diagnosis & Tests Pericarditis Treatment Pericarditis Prognosis Pericarditis Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Acute Kidney Failure AIDS Arrhythmias Autoimmune Disorders Cardiac Tamponade Dilated Cardiomyopathy Heart Attack Heart Failure Myocarditis Pericarditis - After Heart Attack Pericarditis - Bacterial Pericarditis - Constrictive Pleural Effusion Pleurisy Poliomyelitis Pulmonary Tuberculosis Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Rheumatic Fever Rubella The Flu
Tests & Exams
Blood Culture CBC Chest MRI Chest X-Ray CPK CT Scan ECG Heart MRI Pericardial Fluid Culture Pericardiocentesis WBC Count
Other Topics
Breath Sounds Breathing Difficulty - Lying Down Chest Pain Chronic Contracture Deformity Cough Fatigue Fever Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling Heart Murmurs and Other Sounds Pain Medications Respiratory Stress and Anxiety Sweating - Excessive Systemic
Review Date : 10/31/2002
Reviewed By : Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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