Angiology: Open Access
Open Access

Understanding the Pathophysiology of Pericardial Disease

Hong Hee Won^{* *}Correspondence: Hong Hee Won, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Email:

Author info »

Description

Pericardial disease refers to any condition that affects the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds the heart. The pericardium is a double-layered membrane that consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer. The serous layer produces a small amount of fluid that lubricates the heart and allows it to move freely within the pericardial sac. Pericardial disease can be broadly classified into two categories, acute and chronic. Acute pericarditis is a sudden inflammation of the pericardium, while chronic pericarditis is a long-term inflammation that may lead to the formation of scar tissue in the pericardium.

Causes

Pericardial disease can have several underlying causes, they are listed below

Infections: Pericarditis can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Viral infections are the most common cause of acute pericarditis, with the Coxsackie virus being the most frequently implicated.

Autoimmune disorders: Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma can cause inflammation in the pericardium.

Cancer: Cancer that affects the pericardium or nearby structures can cause inflammation in the pericardium.

Trauma: Blunt or penetrating trauma to the chest can cause inflammation in the pericardium.

Drugs: Certain medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and anticoagulants, can cause inflammation in the pericardium.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pericardial disease can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and the underlying cause. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However some common symptoms of pericardial disease include the following.

Chest pain: This is the most common symptom of pericardial disease. The pain is often sharp and worsens when taking a deep breath or lying down. It may be relieved by sitting up and leaning forward.

Shortness of breath: As the inflammation worsens, it may become more difficult to breathe.

Fatigue: This is a common symptom of chronic pericarditis.

Fever: In cases of infectious pericarditis, fever may be present.

Swelling: Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet may occur if the pericardial disease leads to heart failure.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pericardial disease involves a physical examination, medical history, and several tests. During the physical examination, the doctor will listen to the person’s heart with a stethoscope and look for signs of fluid build-up around the heart. They may also ask about any symptoms and medical history. Tests that may be used to diagnose pericardial disease are listed below.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify any abnormalities.

Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create an image of the heart and can show any fluid build-up in the pericardium.

Blood tests: These tests can help identify any underlying infections or autoimmune disorders that may be causing the inflammation.

Chest X-ray: This test can show any fluid build-up or enlargement of the heart.

Treatment

The treatment of pericardial disease depends on the underlying cause and severity of the inflammation. Mild cases of pericarditis may not require any treatment and may resolve on their own. However, if the inflammation is severe or if there is a risk of complications, treatment may be necessary.