Pericarditis Research Paper

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the thin sac that surrounds the heart (known as the pericardium). This can cause pain as the inflamed pericardium rubs against the heart. Fluid can build up in the pericardium, which can compress the heart and affect its function.

What causes pericarditis?
Pericarditis can be caused by infection from a virus, bacterium or fungus. Viral infections are the most common cause of pericarditis in children.

Pericarditis can result from injury to the chest. It can result following a heart attack. It can occur several weeks following heart surgery (post pericardiotomy syndrome). It can result from radiation therapy to the chest. Certain disease processes can cause pericarditis, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis,