Pericarditis · 23 March 05
The pericardium is a thin layer of tissue that covers the outer surfaces of the heart. This tissue helps to anchor the heart in place, protects the heart from infections and tumors that develop in adjacent tissues, and may help keep the heart from enlarging. Inflammation of the pericardium is called pericarditis.
The most common symptom of pericarditis is sharp, stabbing chest pain behind the breastbone or in the left side of your chest which occurs when the pericardium rubs against the heart’s outer layer. The sharp pain may travel into your left shoulder and neck. It often intensifies when you lie down or inhale deeply.
If pericarditis is suspected, one may undergo the following diagnostic procedures:
Chest X-ray, Computerized tomography (CT), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram, Angiogram (Agiography) or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Pericarditis can be associated with viral infections, influenza, fungal infections, systemic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, cancer, leukemia, kidney failure and hypothyroidism. Pericarditis can also result from injury (including surgery) or trauma to the chest, esophagus, or heart. Quite often the cause of pericarditis remains unknown in which case it is called idiopathic pericarditis.
Analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs are given to relieve pain and inflammation. Antibiotics are prescribed if the pericarditis is due to a bacterial infection. If excess fluid is seriously affecting the heart’s action a needle may be used to draw it off. In some cases surgery may be required.
Episodes of pericarditis typically last from two to four weeks, but future episodes can occur. About 20 percent of people with pericarditis have a recurrence within months of the original episode.
The best source of info I have found on the subject is the Mayo Clinic website.
Previous heart ramblings can be found in my “Incident” diary.
Feel better, big guy.
— Anonymous 27 June, 02:53 pm