pericarditis
Pronunciation: per-ih-kar-DY-tis
Inflammation of the pericardium (heart's outer membrane) presenting with characteristic chest pain and requiring specific diagnostic criteria.
Full Definition
An inflammatory condition affecting the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, typically presenting with sharp, positional chest pain that improves when sitting forward. Pericarditis can be acute, chronic, or recurrent, with various etiologies including viral infections, autoimmune conditions, or post-cardiac injury. Medical editors encounter this diagnosis in emergency department evaluations, cardiology consultations, and rheumatology reports. The condition requires specific diagnostic criteria including clinical presentation, ECG changes (widespread ST elevation), and often pericardial effusion on imaging. Treatment protocols typically involve anti-inflammatory medications and activity restrictions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from myocarditis and ensure proper classification as acute, chronic, or recurrent.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with acute pericarditis based on clinical presentation and ECG findings." — Emergency department assessment
- "Recurrent pericarditis was managed with colchicine and activity restriction." — Cardiology follow-up note