Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart. The pericardium is a layer of membrane that surrounds the outer surface of the heart and keeps it stable. It can often be caused by an infection, trauma, a systemic disease or sometimes by an autoimmune reaction, the cause of which is not fully understood. It is a treatable condition. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause and managing it appropriately.
Medication, rest and, in rare cases, surgery may be used. For this reason, it is important for people to see a health professional and receive the necessary treatment if symptoms occur.
What are the symptoms of pericarditis?
It usually manifests itself with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in heartbeat and sometimes fever. Chest pain is usually felt in the center of the chest and is often associated with tenderness in the heart or chest wall. Symptoms of pericarditis may include:
Chest Pain: The most obvious symptom is usually chest pain. Chest pain is usually felt in the center of the chest and is often associated with tenderness in the heart or chest wall. This pain can sometimes radiate to other areas such as the neck, shoulders or back.
Shortness of breath: It can cause shortness of breath because the pericardial membrane restricts the free movement of the surrounding heart muscle. This can often become more noticeable during activity or in a lying position.
Heartbeat Changes: It can cause irregularities in the heartbeat, speeding up or slowing down. This may be caused by compression or irritation of the heart muscle by the pericardium.
Fever and Fatigue: It can often cause fever. In addition to fever, patients may experience general weakness, fatigue and lack of energy.
Cough and swollen neck veins: Sometimes it can also cause less common symptoms such as coughing and swelling of the neck veins. Swollen neck veins can occur as a result of increased pressure around the heart.
What are the Types of Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can occur in different types, usually depending on the cause of the inflammation. Basically, the types of pericarditis are the following:
Infectious Pericarditis: occurs as a result of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. This type is usually due to viral infections, but bacterial infections can also rarely cause this condition.
Idiopathic Pericarditis: Refers to conditions where a specific cause cannot be determined. In this case, the cause is unclear. Autoimmune reactions, genetic factors or other unknown factors can cause this type to occur.
Injury or Traumatic Pericarditis: Traumas or injuries to the heart can increase the risk. For example, this condition can develop after an accident, stroke or heart surgery.
Drug-associated pericarditis: Some medications can cause this condition to develop. Medications can include hydralazine, isoniazid, phenytoin to name a few.
Radiation Associated Pericarditis: People undergoing radiation therapy may have an increased risk of developing this condition. Especially radiotherapy applied to the chest area can lead to its development.
What Causes Pericarditis?
Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericardium) and can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are:
Infections: Viruses (for example, Coxsackie virus), bacteria, fungi or parasites can cause the infectious form.
Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, can trigger pericarditis.
Injuries and Trauma: Cardiac surgery, chest traumas or injuries can increase the risk of occurrence.
Medications: Some medications, especially certain drugs such as hydralazine, isoniazid, phenytoin, can cause it to develop.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy to the chest area can increase the risk of occurrence.
Metabolic Causes: Metabolic disorders such as uric acid can affect the development of this condition.
How is pericarditis diagnosed?
Pericarditis is usually diagnosed through clinical and diagnostic tests. The patient's complaints, medical history and physical examination play an important role. Blood tests can help identify infections or inflammatory conditions. Electrocardiography (ECG) monitors the electrical activity of the heart but is not specific for pericarditis.
Echocardiography (ECHO) visualizes changes in the pericardial membrane. Imaging tests allow detailed images of the heart to be obtained with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Pericardiocentesis is an important procedure to diagnose infection and determine the cause by taking a sample of fluid from the pericardial cavity. The combination of this information helps the doctor make the correct diagnosis.
How is pericarditis treated?
Treatment for pericarditis can vary depending on the underlying causes. Treatment is usually aimed at controlling pain and inflammation. Rest can help relieve symptoms. Immunosuppressants may be used in cases of autoimmune pericarditis.
Antibiotics or antiviral drugs may be preferred in cases of infectious pericarditis. Steroids may be used in cases of severe inflammation. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure to reduce fluid accumulation. The treatment plan varies depending on the patient's condition and the underlying causes of pericarditis.
Regular follow-up under the supervision of a doctor and revision of the treatment plan when necessary is important. Treatment of pericarditis should be tailored to the specific condition of the patient.