Definition:
Pericarditis is a disorder that is caused by the inflammation of the two layers of the sac-like membrane around the heart (the pericardium). Causes of pericarditis include complications from viral infections (adenovirus, polio, influenza, and rubella), bacterial infections, and fungal infections (which all lead to acute pericarditis). Also, heart attacks, rheumatic arthritis, tuberculosis, cancer, and kidney failure are associated with pericarditis. Risk factors generally include men between the ages of 20 and 50 with upper respiratory infections.
Symptoms:
- Breathing rapidly (tachypnea)
- Chest pain that can extend to the neck, shoulder, back or abdomen (usually relieved when sitting)
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) when lying down
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
Diagnosis:
- Stethoscope – sounds of "friction rub" between the two layers of the pericardium, muffled, distant
- Pleural effusion and lower breath sounds (severe)
- Chest X-Ray – shadow around heart that looks like a water bottle
- MRI - evidence of inflammation around heart
- Cardiac catheterization to see heart vasculature and valves
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram – to distinguish from heart attacks by using CK-MB and troponin I markers)
- CBC
- CRP
Treatment:
- Reduce inflammation via NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen), corticosteroids, and analgesics (pain killers)
- Diuretics to reduce fluid accumulation
- Pericardiocentesis when cardiac tamponade is present
- Pericardiectomy if chronic pericarditis
Complications:
