Pericarditis is an inflammation of pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart.

Pericarditis may be caused by viruses (include those that cause influenza, polio and rubella). The most common viruses that cause children pericarditis are the adenovirus and the cocksackievirus.

Pericarditis can also be caused by certain inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, an injury to the heart or it can follow a heart attack. Bacteria, fungi, parasites and even cancer or kidney failure may also affect the pericardium.

Symptoms associated with pericarditis may include:

· rapid breathing

· dry cough

· fever and chills

· weakness

· broken blood vessels (hemorrhages) in the mucus membrane of the eyes, the back, the chest, fingers, and toes

· feelings of anxiety

There is no specific treatment. Viruses that cause pericarditis are not treated with antibiotics. Medications may be used to reduce inflammation; analgesics drugs also may be given.

If the pericarditis recurs, pericardiectomy (removal of all or part of the pericardium) may be necessary.

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