Pericarditis Adhesive

Adhesive pericarditis (p. adhaesiva) is a chronic inflammation of the outer layer of the heart (pericardium), leading to fusion of the pericardium with the heart.

With adhesive pericarditis, thickening and gluing of the pericardial layers occurs, which limits the mobility of the heart in the pericardial cavity. This can lead to disturbances in heart rhythm and myocardial contractility.

Causes of pericarditis adhesively:

1. Previous acute or chronic pericarditis
2. Infectious diseases (tuberculosis, syphilis)
3. Post-infarction cardiosclerosis
4. Radiation therapy to the chest
5. Systemic connective tissue diseases

Symptoms:

1. Chest pain
2. Dyspnea
3. Weakness, fatigue
4. Heart rhythm disturbances

Diagnosis is based on ECG, echocardiography, CT, and MRI of the heart.

Treatment: anti-inflammatory drugs are used; in severe cases, surgery may be required - pericardiectomy.

The prognosis for adhesive pericarditis is generally favorable with timely diagnosis and treatment. Relapses of the disease are possible.