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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Pericarditis Pericarditis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like covering of the heart. Pericarditis can be caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. It may also result from vascular inflammation (vasculitis), kidney or thyroid diseases, tumors, and injury or trauma to the chest, esophagus, or heart. In many cases, the cause is unknown. Pain occurs as a result of the layers of the inflamed pericardium rubbing against each other.  Review Date: 5/15/2008
Reviewed By: Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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