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Pericarditis: Inflammation or Infarction?

Pericarditis occurs when there is inflammation of the pericardium, a 2-layer sac that surrounds the myocardium. These layers are separated by 15 to 20 mL of thin serous fluid. The accumulation of serous fluid along with the presence of inflammatory cells and fibrin can compromise cardiac function. The cause of pericarditis can be related to many disorders and often mimics signs of myocardial ischemia or acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Complications such as cardiac tamponade can occur with a large effusion and can be life threatening. It is essential to differentiate pericarditis from AMI. Preservation of heart muscle in AMI is essential as is proper treatment and prevention of complications such as cardiac tamponade, which can occur as a result of pericarditis. This article discusses the common causes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, and treatment associated with pericarditis.