Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac
surrounding the heart. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp chest
pain, which may also be felt in the shoulders, neck, or back. The pain is
typically less severe when sitting up and more severe when lying down or
breathing deeply. Other symptoms of pericarditis can include fever, weakness,
palpitations, and shortness of breath. The onset of symptoms can occasionally
be gradual rather than sudden.
The cause of pericarditis often remains unknown but is believed to be most
often due to a viral infection. Other causes include bacterial infections such
as tuberculosis, uremic pericarditis, heart attack, cancer, autoimmune
disorders, and chest trauma.