Pericarditis

The pericardium is the thin, sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart. With pericarditis, this tissue is inflamed. The condition may be mild and last only a few days. Or it may be more severe and lead to serious complications. This sheet tells you more about pericarditis. It also explains how it is diagnosed and treated.

Understanding Pericarditis

With pericarditis, the inflamed layers of the pericardium rub against the heart. This results in pain and other symptoms.

The pericardium helps protect the heart from infection. It consists of two thin layers of tissue with a small amount of fluid between them. When these layers become inflamed, they can rub against the heart. This causes chest pain. Pericarditis most often happens after a respiratory infection. It occurs in people of all ages, but is more common in men aged 20 to 50 years.

Symptoms of Pericarditis

Pericarditis can be acute or chronic. The acute type occurs suddenly and typically lasts days or up to 3 weeks. The chronic type develops over time and lasts for more than 3 months. Symptoms can vary between the two types.

• Symptoms of acute pericarditis include:

  • Sharp pain in the center or left side of the chest

  • Fever

  • Weakness

  • Trouble breathing

  • Coughing

• Symptoms of chronic pericarditis include:

  • Tiredness

  • Coughing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Swelling of the stomach and legs (in severe cases)

  • Low blood pressure (in severe cases)

  • (Chest pain often does not occur)

Causes of Pericarditis

In many cases, the cause of this condition is unknown. Known causes are the same for both acute and chronic types. They include:

• Viral infection (the most common cause)

• Bacterial or fungal infection

• Autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma and lupus

• Heart attack

• Injury or surgery to the chest, esophagus, or heart

• Radiation treatment to the chest

• Certain types of cancer

• HIV/AIDS

• Medications that suppress the immune system

Diagnosing Pericarditis

The doctor will take your medical history and ask you to describe your symptoms. You'll have a physical exam. Your doctor will listen to your heart to see if it makes certain sounds (pericardial rub). And certain tests may be done. These include:

• Imaging tests of the heart or chest. These include x-ray, MRI, and CT. They create pictures of the heart or the inside of the chest. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses magnets and radio waves. A CT (computed tomography) scan uses x-rays and a computer.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test records the electrical activity of your heart. During an ECG, small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Wires connect the pads to a machine, which records your heart's electrical signals.

• Echocardiogram (echo). This test creates a moving picture of the heart. During an echo, a probe moved over the chest sends out harmless sound waves. These create a picture that shows the size and shape of the heart. It shows how well the heart is working. It also shows whether fluid has built up in the pericardium.

• Radionuclide scanning (also called nuclear medicine scanning). This test creates a picture showing the structure of the heart. It also shows how well the heart is functioning. A low-level radioactive substance is injected into a vein or taken by mouth. The substance collects in the heart. There, it gives off gamma rays (similar to x-rays). A special camera takes pictures of the gamma rays.

• Lab tests. Samples of blood or pericardial fluid may be taken and tested in a lab. These tests can help determine the cause of pericarditis.

Treatment of Pericarditis

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is. Treatment can address the symptoms or the cause of pericarditis. Or it can address complications the condition may cause.

• Treatment of symptoms. For minor symptoms, rest may be the only treatment needed. To relieve pain and inflammation, medications may be prescribed. These include aspirin and ibuprofen. If pain is severe, a strong anti-inflammatory called colchicine may be prescribed. Or a type of steroid called prednisone may be used.

• Treatment of the cause, if known. For instance, antibiotics may be prescribed. This is done if the cause is a bacterial infection.

• Treatment of complications. Serious complications can result from both types of pericarditis. These include:

  • Cardiac tamponade. Fluid builds up within the layers of the pericardium. This can keep the heart from working properly. To treat this condition, a needle is inserted into the chest wall and between the layers of the pericardium. It removes the excess fluid.

  • Constrictive pericarditis. Over time, scarlike tissue forms in the pericardium. The tissue prevents the heart from expanding enough when it beats. This keeps the heart from working right. Surgery to cut or remove the pericardium is the only treatment.

When to Call the Doctor Be sure to call your doctor if you have any symptoms of pericarditis. This is especially important if you have chest pain. Without treatment, this condition can be life-threatening.