MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Post-MI pericarditis

Medical Encyclopedia

Post-MI pericarditis

Post-MI pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (the sac-like covering of the heart). Any previous injury to the heart muscle can cause pericarditis. Incidences of pericarditis are associated with Dressler's syndrome, after a heart attack, open heart surgery, and may also follow stab wounds to the heart or blunt chest trauma. Pain occurs when the inflamed pericardium rubs on the heart.

Update Date: 9/3/2008

Updated by: Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Outcomes Research, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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