Pericardial Diseases: Introduction and Types

The word pericardium is derived from the ancient Greek words peri, which means 'around' and cardion, meaning 'heart'. Pericardia is a tough double-layered fibroelastic sac that protects the heart by keeping it in position and preventing the heart from overfilling with blood and from being damaged from infections. ● Recurrent pericarditis is seen in 15 to 20% of people with pericarditis. Types of Pericardial Diseases ○ Pericardial effusion –An increase of fluid in the pericardial space, which stops the heart from filling blood properly The given table describes the etiology of pericardial diseases. It includes infections, neoplasm, cardiac, and autoimmune causes.

The drugs that cause them are isoniazid, hydralazine, phenytoin, and penicillin. Their metabolic causes are hypothyroidism, uremia, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. First, we will learn about Acute Pericarditis.