Acute Pericarditis: Inflammation of the Heart's Lining
What is Pericarditis?
Pericarditis is a condition that causes inflammation of the pericardium, a thin sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including infections and non-infectious conditions.
Causes of Pericarditis
The causes of pericarditis can be broadly classified into two categories:
Infectious Causes:
- Viral Infections: Viruses such as coxsackievirus A, echovirus, and herpesviruses are common culprits.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacteria like streptococci, staphylococci, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), and Legionella can also cause pericarditis.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infections like histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and candidiasis are less common causes.
Non-Infectious Causes:
- Neoplasia (Cancer): Certain types of cancer can spread to the pericardium, leading to inflammation.
- Trauma: Injuries to the chest wall can damage the pericardium.
- Post-Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy to the chest area can cause inflammation of the pericardium.
- Renal Failure: Kidney failure can sometimes lead to pericarditis.
- Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like myxedema (an underactive thyroid gland) can contribute to pericarditis.
Clinical Features of Pericarditis
The symptoms of pericarditis can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the inflammation. Some common symptoms include:
- Chest Pain: This is often the most prominent symptom. The pain is typically sharp, pleuritic (worsened by breathing), and can radiate to the neck, arms, or shoulders. It may be relieved by sitting up and leaning forward.
- Fever: Fever is a common symptom, especially in cases of infectious pericarditis.
- Malaise: A general feeling of tiredness and weakness.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy.
- Throat Pain: Sore throat may be present in some cases.
Diagnosis of Pericarditis
Diagnosis of pericarditis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests:
- Physical Examination: A doctor may listen to the heart and lungs for any abnormal sounds, such as a pericardial friction rub. This is a high-pitched scratching sound heard at the end of expiration.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG can show characteristic changes associated with pericarditis.
- Echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound to visualize the heart and pericardium, helping to assess the extent of inflammation.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to check for signs of infection or other underlying conditions.
Treatment of Pericarditis
Treatment for pericarditis depends on the underlying cause:
- Infectious Pericarditis: Antibiotic or antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat the infection.
- Non-Infectious Pericarditis: Treatment may involve managing the underlying condition, pain relief medications, and in some cases, medications to reduce inflammation.
Complications of Pericarditis
In some cases, pericarditis can lead to complications such as:
- Pericardial Effusion: Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, which can compress the heart and affect its function.
- Cardiac Tamponade: A life-threatening condition where the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac severely restricts the heart's ability to pump blood.
Prevention of Pericarditis
While there's no specific way to prevent pericarditis, maintaining good overall health, practicing good hygiene, and addressing underlying medical conditions can reduce the risk of infection and inflammation.
FAQs About Acute Pericarditis
What is Pericarditis?
Pericarditis is a condition that causes inflammation of the pericardium, a thin sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart.
What are the symptoms of Pericarditis?
Common symptoms of pericarditis include:
- Chest pain, often sharp and worse with breathing or lying down
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
What causes Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can be caused by various factors, including:
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Heart attack
- Surgery
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
- Kidney failure
- Certain medications
How is Pericarditis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of pericarditis often involves:
- Physical examination: Listening to the heart for a pericardial friction rub
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for specific changes
- Echocardiogram: To visualize the heart and pericardium
- Blood tests: To rule out other conditions and identify the cause of inflammation
How is Pericarditis treated?
Treatment for pericarditis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It may include:
- Medications: To relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and treat underlying infections
- Pericardiocentesis: A procedure to drain excess fluid from the pericardial sac
Can Pericarditis be prevented?
While there's no specific way to prevent pericarditis, maintaining good overall health and addressing underlying medical conditions can reduce the risk.
Is Pericarditis serious?
In most cases, pericarditis is not serious and resolves on its own or with treatment. However, in some cases, it can lead to complications like pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade, which can be life-threatening.
When should I see a doctor for Pericarditis?
If you experience chest pain, especially if it's sharp and worsens with breathing, or if you have other symptoms of pericarditis, it's important to see a doctor right away.
