Pericarditis refers to the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart, called the pericardium. The pericardium is a membranous layer that wraps around the outer surface of the heart and ensures that the heart remains in a fixed position. It usually occurs as a result of an infection, trauma, a systemic disease, or sometimes an autoimmune reaction whose exact cause cannot be fully understood. It is a treatable condition. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause and managing this cause appropriately.
Medications, rest, and rarely surgical intervention may be among the methods used in treatment. Therefore, if symptoms appear, it is important for individuals to consult a healthcare professional and receive the necessary treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?
It typically manifests with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in heartbeat, and sometimes fever. Chest pain is generally felt in the middle of the rib cage, and this pain is usually associated with tenderness in the heart or chest wall. Symptoms of pericarditis may include:
Chest Pain: The most prominent symptom is usually chest pain. Chest pain is generally felt in the middle of the rib cage and is frequently associated with tenderness in the heart or chest wall. This pain can sometimes spread to other areas such as the neck, shoulders, or back.
Shortness of Breath: Restriction of the free movement of the pericardium surrounding the heart muscle can cause shortness of breath. This condition may typically become more noticeable during activity or in a lying position.
Changes in Heartbeat: It can cause irregularities, acceleration, or slowing in the heartbeat. This condition may occur as a result of the heart muscle being compressed or irritated by the pericardium.
Fever and Fatigue: It frequently causes fever. In addition to fever, symptoms such as general weakness, fatigue, and lack of energy may also be observed in patients.
Cough and Swelling in Neck Veins: Sometimes it can also cause less common symptoms such as cough and swelling in the neck veins. Swelling in the neck veins can occur as a result of increased pressure around the heart.
What Are the Types of Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can generally occur in different types depending on the cause of inflammation. Basically, the types of pericarditis are:
Infectious Pericarditis: It 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: It refers to cases where a specific cause cannot be determined. In this case, the cause is uncertain. Autoimmune reactions, genetic factors, or other unknown agents may cause this type to occur.
Injury or Traumatic Pericarditis: Traumas or injuries directed at the heart can increase the risk. For example, this condition may develop after an accident, impact, or heart surgery.
Medication-Related Pericarditis: Certain medications can cause the development of this condition. Medications can include a few types such as hydralazine, isoniazid, and phenytoin.
Radiation-Related Pericarditis: The risk of occurrence may increase in individuals receiving radiation therapy. Particularly, radiotherapy applied to the chest area can lead to its development.
What Causes Pericarditis?
Pericarditis refers to the condition of inflammation of the heart membrane (pericardium) and can occur due to various reasons. The most common causes are:
Infections: Viruses (for example, Coxsackie virus), bacteria, fungi, or parasites can cause its infectious form.
Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus can trigger pericarditis.
Injuries and Traumas: Heart surgery, chest traumas, or injuries can increase the risk of occurrence.
Medications: Certain medications, especially some drugs such as hydralazine, isoniazid, and phenytoin, can cause it to develop.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy applied to the chest area may 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 determine infections or inflammatory conditions. Electrocardiography (ECG) monitors the electrical activity of the heart; however, it is not specific for pericarditis.
Echocardiography (ECHO) visualizes changes in the pericardium. Imaging tests ensure that detailed heart images are obtained via computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Pericardiocentesis is an important procedure aimed at diagnosing the infection and determining the cause by taking a fluid sample from the pericardial space. The combination of this information helps the doctor make the correct diagnosis.
How Is Pericarditis Treated?
Pericarditis treatment may vary depending on the underlying causes. Treatment generally aims to control pain and inflammation. Rest can help alleviate symptoms. Immunosuppressants may be used in cases of autoimmune pericarditis.
Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be preferred in cases of infectious pericarditis. Steroids can be used in cases of severe inflammation. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure applied to reduce fluid accumulation. The treatment plan varies depending on the patient's condition and the underlying causes of pericarditis.
Regular follow-up under a doctor's supervision and revision of the treatment plan when necessary are important. Pericarditis treatment should be determined and applied specifically to the patient's specific condition.