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 be a result of injury or trauma to the chest, esophagus, or
heart. Pain occurs as a result of the inflamed pericardium
rubbing against the heart. |Review Date: 5/4/2010| Reviewed By:
Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine. Feinberg
School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. 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
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