pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, which may be acute or chronic and of various etiologies.
Full Definition
Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardium, the double-layered sac surrounding the heart consisting of visceral and parietal layers. This condition can present as acute, subacute, or chronic inflammation with diverse etiologies including viral infections, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, radiation, and uremia. Pathologically, pericarditis may be classified as fibrinous, purulent, hemorrhagic, or caseous based on the inflammatory exudate. Chronic forms can lead to pericardial fibrosis, calcification, and in severe cases, constrictive physiology. The diagnosis requires correlation of clinical, electrocardiographic, imaging, and sometimes pathologic findings.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from pericardial effusion, which may be a consequence rather than synonymous condition.
In Context
- "Autopsy revealed acute fibrinous pericarditis with a roughened, granular appearance of the pericardial surfaces." — Post-mortem examination
- "The biopsy showed chronic pericarditis with dense fibrosis and calcific deposits." — Pericardial biopsy report