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Pericarditis (cont.)

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What causes pericarditis?

Pericarditis is usually from unknown causes (idiopathic). The cause may often be viral infections. Causes of pericarditis include:

Infections:

  • Viruses
  • Bacteria (like tuberculosis)
  • HIV

Inflammatory diseases:

Diseases that can cause generalized inflammation in other places within the body can also cause inflammation of the pericardium. Some examples include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupuserythematosus (SLE)
  • Scleroderma
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Metabolic illnesses:

  • Kidney failure and uremia
  • Hypothyroidism

Heart disease:

  • Myocardial infarction or heart attack can cause direct irritation and inflammation of the pericardial lining.
  • Dressler's syndrome describes inflammation caused by an immune response to heart tissue damage from heart attack, open heart surgery, or a trauma.

Other causes:

  • Tumors
  • Radiation therapy
  • Medications

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Pericarditis - Symptoms and Signs Question: What symptoms and signs did you experience with your pericarditis?
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Pericarditis - Causes Question: What caused your pericarditis?
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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/pericarditis/article.htm

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