Pericarditis
![Figure A shows the location of the heart and a normal heart and pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart). The inset image is an enlarged cross-section of the pericardium that shows its two layers of tissue and the fluid between the layers.Figure B shows the heart with pericarditis. The inset image is an enlarged cross-section that shows the inflamed and thickened layers of the pericardium.[5]](/uploads/202501/20/Pericarditis4139.jpg)
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart). A characteristic chest pain is often present. The disease can be acute or chronic.
The causes of pericarditis is most often due to a viral infection. Other causes include bacterial infections such as tuberculosis, uremic pericarditis, after a heart attack, cancer, and chest trauma. It may also occur due to an unknown cause. Diagnosis is made based on the chest pain, a pericardial rub, specific ECG changes, and fluid around the heart.