What is Pericarditis?

Pericardium is the pericardium consisting of inner and outer layers that surround the outer surface of the heart. Pericarditis is defined as inflammation or infection of the heart lining. Various viruses and bacteria attach to the pericardium and negatively affect the functioning of the heart. With inflammation, fluid accumulation may occur between the layers of the vascular membrane. If this amount of fluid is excessive, it may compress the heart and cause a condition called cardiac tamponade that requires urgent intervention. Sudden inflammation of the heart membrane and cases that improve within 3 months are defined as acute pericarditis, while cases where complaints continue and recur for more than 3 months are called chronic pericarditis.

Pericarditis Symptoms

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of pericarditis. This chest pain increases in the lying position and decreases in the sitting position. In addition, pain, swelling or edema may be observed in different parts of the body, and chronic pericarditis may cause high fever, fluid accumulation in the pericardium and heart compression.

Pericarditis Treatment

In the treatment of pericarditis, it is necessary to determine the factor causing pericarditis and act accordingly. In addition to medication use, the patient may be hospitalized when necessary. If there is fluid accumulation between the layers of the pericardium, this fluid is removed by pericardiocentesis. In cases that recur and damage the heart, a part of the pericardium is surgically removed with a method called pericardiectomy. This process is generally one of the last preferred methods.