Pericardial disease, or pericarditis, is inflammation of any of the layers of the pericardium. The pericardium is a thin tissue sac that surrounds the heart and consists of:
- Visceral pericardium -- an inner layer that envelopes the entire heart
- A middle fluid layer to prevent friction between the visceral pericardium and parietal pericardium
- Parietal pericardium -- an outer layer made of fibrous tissue
What Causes Pericarditis?
Causes of pericarditis include:
- Infections
- Heart surgery
- Heart attack
- Trauma
- Tumors
- Cancer
- Radiation
Autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma)
For some people, no cause can be found.
Pericarditis can be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (long-standing).
What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?
When present, symptoms of pericarditis may include:
- Chest pain. This pain is frequently sharp and located in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the neck and shoulders, and occasionally, the arms and back. It can be made worse when lying down, coughing, or swallowing and may be relieved by sitting forward.
- Low-grade fever.
- Increased heart rate.
How Is Pericarditis Diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose pericarditis based on:
Reported symptoms:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) results
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac MRI
- Physical exam
- Other tests may be performed to determine the cause of pericarditis.
What Is the Treatment for Pericarditis?
Treatment of pericarditis is based on the cause and may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) to decrease the pain and inflammation
- Steroids occasionally used for severe attacks
- Antibiotics, if the pericarditis is due to infection
- Colchicine, mainly if symptoms last for several weeks or occur on a repetitive basis
Most patients recover from pericarditis in two to four weeks.