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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
• Pictures & Images
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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