answersLogoWhite

0

Pericarditis is an infection of the pericardium, which is a membrane that surrounds the heart; it is caused by bacteria.

Answer

A small percentage of pericarditis is caused by a bacterial infection. Usually, the inflammation is caused by a virus. It can also be caused by a fungus. In most cases, the cause is unknown.

Pericarditis may also occur in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kidney failure, leukemia, HIV, or AIDS.

Other non-infection causes are:

heart attack

cancer that has spread from a nearby tumor

radiation treatment for some types of cancer

injury to your chest, esophagus, or heart

certain types of medicine which suppress your immune system

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can ankylosing spondylitis cause pericarditis?

It is difficult to say what causes what, but AS can be associated with pericarditis or vice versa.


What are the most common causes of pericarditis in children?

In children, the most common viruses that cause pericarditis are the adenovirus and the cocksackievirus (which is most likely to affect children during warmer weather).


How can the heart be affected by SLE?

Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart causes pericarditis ; inflammation of the heart itself causes myocarditis.


Is pericarditis contageous?

No, pericarditis is not contagious. It is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, and can result from various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or injury. While some infections that can lead to pericarditis may be contagious, the condition itself is not spread from person to person.


What is the leading cause of pericarditis in the elderly?

Malignancy or renal failure are the main causes of this disorder in the elderly.


How does acute pericarditis present?

This form of the disease causes a sharp, severe pain that starts in the region of the breastbone.


Can you fly on an airplane if you have pericarditis?

Can you fly on airplane with pericarditis


What heart condition causes fever malaise chest pain that increases with inspiration or heartbeat dyspnea and tachycardia?

Pericarditis


Are there any positive treatments for pericarditis besides steriods?

The treatment obviously depends of the cause of pericarditis.


Why are electrocardiograph and echocardiogram tests given to diagnose pericarditis?

To distinguish between pericarditis and a heart attack.


Is pericarditis an inflammation of the lungs?

No, pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. Pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs.


Is pericarditis a heart attack?

No. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart; usually caused by an infection.