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Pericardium Pericarditis
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Pericarditis
Symptoms: Chest pain, caused by the inflamed pericardium rubbing against the heart. Usually relieved by sitting up and leaning forward Pleuritis type: a sharp, stabbing pain May radiate to the neck, shoulder, back or abdomen Often increases with deep breathing and lying flat; may increase with coughing and swallowing Breathing difficulty when lying down (the patient prefers standing or sitting upright) Splinting of ribs (bending over or holding the chest) with breathing Dry cough Ankle, feet and leg swelling (occasionally) Anxiety Fatigue Fever Signs and tests: When listening to the heart with a stethoscope, the health care provider can hear a typical sound called a pericardial rub. The heart sounds may be muffled or distant. There may be other signs of fluid in the pericardium (pericardial effusion). Text Continues Below If the disorder is severe, there may be crackles in the lungs, decreased breath sounds, or other signs of fluid in the space around the lungs (pleural effusion). If fluid has accumulated in the pericardial sac, it may show on: Chest X-ray Echocardiogram Chest MRI scan Heart MRI or heart CT scan Radionuclide scanning These tests show enlargement of the heart from fluid collection in the pericardium, and signs of inflammation. They may also show scarring and contracture of the pericardium (constrictive pericarditis). Other findings vary depending on the cause of pericarditis. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>