Pericarditis
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart). A characteristic chest pain is often present.
The causes of pericarditis are varied, including infections of the pericardium by viruses or bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis), idiopathic causes, uremic pericarditis, post-infarct pericarditis (within 24 hours of a heart attack), or Dressler's syndrome (weeks to months after a heart attack).
Classification
Pericarditis can be classified according to the composition of the fluid that accumulates around the heart.
Types of pericarditis include the following:
serous
purulent
fibrinous
caseous
hemorrhagic
Acute vs. chronic
Depending on the time of presentation and duration, pericarditis is divided into "acute" and "chronic" forms. Acute pericarditis is more common than chronic pericarditis, and can occur as a complication of infections, immunologic conditions, or even as a result of a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Chronic pericarditis however is less common, a form of which is constrictive pericarditis. The following is the clinical classification of acute vs. chronic:
