Pericarditis

Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, double-layered sac that surrounds the heart. This can be acute , subacute, or chronic (lasting longer than six months). According to Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, pericarditis is defined as inflammation of the pericardial layers, often presenting with chest pain, pericardial friction rub, ECG changes, and, in some cases, pericardial effusion.

Why Should You A Cardiologist At Choose Aster Hospitals?

Aster Hospitals stands out as a premier choice for pericarditis care, offering a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Our facilities are equipped with advanced high-resolution echocardiography with strain imaging, cardiac MRI with late gadolinium enhancement, and advanced laboratory facilities for biomarker analysis. 

These technologies enable our expert multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, radiologists, critical care specialists, and cardiothoracic surgeons to provide precise and timely diagnosis and treatment. We offer from customized anti-inflammatory therapy protocols to ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and surgical interventions like pericardiectomy when necessary. 

Types of Pericarditis

1. Acute Pericarditis: Sudden onset, typically lasting less than six weeks.
2. Subacute Pericarditis: Symptoms develop gradually and last between six weeks and six months.
3. Chronic Pericarditis: Inflammation persists for more than six months.
4. Constrictive Pericarditis: Chronic inflammation leads to scarring and thickening, restricting heart movement.
5. Effusive Pericarditis: Fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac can lead to cardiac tamponade.

Causes of Pericarditis

Infectious Causes

• Viral: Coxsackievirus, echovirus, influenza, HIV
• Bacterial: Tuberculosis, streptococcal infections
• Fungal & Parasitic: Less common but possible in immunocompromised individuals

Non-Infectious Causes

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Post-myocardial infarction (Dressler’s syndrome)
• Trauma or chest injury
• Cancer (metastatic involvement)
• Uremia (in chronic kidney disease)
• Radiation therapy to the chest
• Hypothyroidism

Idiopathic

• In many cases, the exact cause is unknown, though a viral origin is often suspected.

Clinical Features of Pericarditis

General Symptoms

• Sharp, Pleuritic Chest Pain: Worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or lying down; relieved by sitting up and leaning forward.
• Fever, Fatigue, and Malaise: Common in infectious or autoimmune causes.
• Shortness of Breath: Especially when reclining due to pericardial effusion.

Cardiac Manifestations

• Pericardial Friction Rub: A distinctive scratching or grating sound heard during auscultation.
• Palpitations or Tachycardia: Due to inflammation affecting the heart’s rhythm.

Complications

• Pericardial Effusion: Fluid buildup in the pericardial sac.
• Cardiac Tamponade: Life-threatening compression of the heart due to rapid fluid accumulation.

Constrictive Pericarditis: Chronic thickening and scarring of the pericardium, leading to restricted heart function.