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Pericarditis
Medical Questions » Pericarditis
| Name: Pericarditis |
| Also known as: |
| Uncommon inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the fibrous sack that surrounds the heart. |
Causes of Pericarditis
May be caused by a viral (common often secondary to mumps, hepatitis or influenza) or bacterial (rare) infection. May also occur if the pericardium is affected by the spread of cancer cells from the lung, lymph nodes or other organs. Other causes include heart attacks, tuberculosis, kidney failure and irradiation. |
Symptoms of Pericarditis
All forms cause chest pain, shortness of breath and a fever. |
Tests for Pericarditis
Diagnosed by a combination of X-ray, CT scan, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests and biopsy examinations. |
Treatment for Pericarditis
No specific cure for a viral infection, and treatment involves aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and prednisone. Bacterial pericarditis can be treated with antibiotics. A pericardial effusion (collection of fluid within the pericardial sac) can be treated by inserting a long needle through the chest wall and draining the fluid. Patients with constrictive pericarditis (fibrous sack becomes scarred and contracts tightly around the heart) may require surgery on the heart to cut away the scarred part of the pericardium.
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Complications of Pericarditis of its treatment
The secretion of fluid by the damaged pericardium into the tiny space between the pericardium and heart (pericardial effusion) which puts pressure on the heart, and scarring of the pericardium from infection which contracts and constricts the heart. In both these cases, the heart may not be able to expand fully between each beat, and becomes steadily more constricted (constrictive pericarditis), causing the heart to fail as a pump. |
Likely Outcome of Pericarditis
Depends upon the cause and severity of the infection, and the age and health of the patient. Death occurs in a significant number of cases, particularly if the patient is elderly or debilitated. |
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