Pericarditis glossary

An episode of pericarditis which may present with symptoms such as sharp chest pain.

Pericarditis caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Inflammation that is caused by the body's own immune system.

This is a protein made by your liver in response to inflammation. A blood test measuring CRP may be used to help inform a diagnosis of pericarditis.

A serious and potentially life threatening risk of pericarditis where too fluid builds up around the heart and could impact the ability for the heart to function properly.

A doctor who specializes in the study or treatment of the heart, heart diseases, and heart abnormalities.

A pericarditis episode that lasts for more than 3 months.

Voluntary research studies designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of different medicines.

A rare risk of pericarditis, when the swelling (inflammation) causes the pericardial sac to become scarred and stiff, limiting the heart's pumping action.

Medical exams that provide the information healthcare providers need to make a clinical decision or a diagnosis.

An imaging test of the heart that uses sound waves to produce an image that shows how well your heart is working. It can also show if there is extra fluid in the pericardium.

A test where electrodes are placed on the chest to check the rhythm of your heart. It can detect specific rhythm changes that can occur during pericarditis. This test also helps to rule out cardiovascular conditions such as a heart attack.

A blood test that uses certain red blood cells (erythrocytes) to measure inflammation in the body.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency that, among other things, is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices. The FDA reviews the results of clinical trials and approves different medicines for different conditions for use in the United States.

A product that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a condition or disease.

The first flare, which often goes away after a few weeks either on its own or after treatment.

A sensation that the heart is racing or skipping a beat. It is a possible sign of pericarditis.

A cause that is not known.

An imaging test of the heart that uses magnetic waves to take in-depth pictures of your heart and reveal if there is swelling or inflammation in the pericardium.

Myocarditis is defined as inflammation of the myocardium (the main heart muscle), whereas pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (the outside layer, or sac) of the heart.

The first flare, which often goes away after a few weeks either on its own or after treatment.

A condition where there is excessive fluid within the pericardium.

A distinct sound as a result of the inflamed layers of pericardium rubbing together.

A surgical procedure during which the pericardium is partially or completely removed.

A medical procedure during which fluid is removed from the spaces between the layers of the heart with a needle or tube.

A medical procedure during which fluid is removed by the creation of a small window in the pericardium.

A condition characterized by inflammation of the pericardium.

The fluid filled sac that surround the heart.

When another flare happens more than 4 weeks after first flare goes away. Recurrent pericarditis can be a chronic disease, meaning that it may last for many years.

A doctor who treats autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and could have a special understanding of autoinflammation. 

Defined by trouble breathing or coughing while breathing.

The process of gradually reducing the dose of steroids.

A physical injury.

Pain that can move across different parts of the body, such as moving from chest to left shoulder and neck.

Severe kidney failure causes the pericardium to become inflamed.

A type of pericarditis caused by a viral infection, which can lead to recurrent or chronic pericarditis. Viruses that can cause it include coxsackievirus, adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and influenza virus.

A test that shows images of certain structures in the body. It can be used to check for an enlarged heart (which can indicate fluid in the pericardium).