What is pericarditis?
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like structure surrounding the heart. This sac holds the heart in place, protects it, and contains a small amount of fluid that cushions the heart and reduces friction as it beats. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, it can cause sharp chest pain, often worsening with deep breaths, lying down, or coughing. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience severe chest pain or suspect you have pericarditis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and promote recovery.
At Penn Medicine Heart and Vascular, patients receive expert, specialized pericarditis care. Cardiologists work alongside rheumatologists, radiologists, and cardiac surgeons to offer advanced diagnostic imaging and innovative treatment options, including the latest medications and minimally invasive procedures.
Types of pericarditis
There are several types of pericarditis, each with its own symptoms and treatment needs.
- Acute pericarditis: The most common type, it’s often caused by an infection or inflammation. Symptoms like chest pain can appear suddenly but usually clear up within a few weeks.
- Recurrent pericarditis: This type involves flare-ups after an initial episode, often due to a relapse in inflammation.
- Chronic pericarditis: A prolonged inflammation lasting more than three months, it can lead to ongoing symptoms that may need long-term care.
- Constrictive pericarditis: A rare type where scarring in the pericardium limits the heart’s movement, affecting blood flow and sometimes requiring surgery.
Pericarditis symptoms
Pericarditis symptoms tend to vary in severity and presentation, but commonly include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest
- A persistent, often dry cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat
- Weakness and fatigue
- Rapid heart rate
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
What causes pericarditis?
Pericarditis can have various triggers, and the exact cause may not always be clear. Some common pericarditis causes include:
- Viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory disorders like sarcoidosis
- A heart attack or heart surgery
- Chest trauma, such as from a car accident or a direct blow to the chest
- Certain medications that treat hypertension, epilepsy, and tuberculosis
- Radiation treatment to the chest
- Kidney failure
In many cases, the cause of pericarditis is unknown and is called idiopathic pericarditis.
How is pericarditis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of pericarditis often requires a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests by the Heart and Vascular specialists at Penn Medicine to confirm the presence of pericardial inflammation and assess its severity. In addition, you may need to undergo diagnostic testing.
Pericarditis treatment
Your treatment for pericarditis depends on several factors, including the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and your medical history. Your provider may recommend medications or other treatments.
Expert pericarditis care at Penn Medicine
At Penn Medicine, our team of cardiac surgeons offers advanced surgical treatment options for a wide range of cardiac conditions, including pericarditis. We’re one of the few hospitals in the nation with surgeons skilled in performing both traditional and minimally invasive pericardiectomies. Our surgeons have the unique technical skills and extensive experience required to perform these complex procedures and make sure you have the best possible outcome.