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Chronic Rheumatic Pericarditis & Myopericarditis
Chronic Rheumatic Pericarditis & Myopericarditis
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
General
The pericardium is the flexible two-layered sac that envelops the heart. Chronic pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium that develops gradually. It results in fluid accumulation in the pericardial space. There are many causes for pericarditis, and may include rheumatic conditions such as- rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and scleroderma. In fact, The most common cardiac involvement in RA is pericarditis. Myopericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium and the underlying myocardium (the heart muscle) resulting in damage to the heart cells muscles.
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Signs & symptoms
Symptoms of chronic pericarditis may include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue. Other common symptoms are accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and legs. Sometimes, patients may be asymptomatic as well.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of rheumatoid pericarditis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. It can also be done with an echocardiography and sometimes cardiac catheterization or imaging using CT or MRI. Chest x-ray may detect calcium deposits in the pericardium. Blood tests including antibodies may be done to evaluate the cause for pericarditis- sometimes pericarditis may precede the diagnosis of the rheumatic disease.
Treatment
Treatment of pericarditis is to treat the underlying rheumatic disease. Sometimes a removal of the pericardial fluid or the pericardium is done. If there are symptoms, a needle or surgical drainage may be performed.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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