• An inflammatory process affecting the pericardium.
  NCI
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• Inflammation of the PERICARDIUM from various origins, such as infection, neoplasm, autoimmune process, injuries, or drug-induced. Pericarditis usually leads to PERICARDIAL EFFUSION, or CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS.
  NLM Medical Subject Headings
  U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
• Inflammation of the pericardium, frequently manifested as chest pain, friction rub, pericardial effusion, or ST segment elevation on EKG.
  NICHD Pediatric Terminology
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• Inflammation of the pericardium, the heart's sac-like covering.
  Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
  Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
• Inflammation of the sac-like covering around the heart (pericardium).
  Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)
  The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2025
• A disorder characterized by irritation to the layers of the pericardium (the protective sac around the heart).
  Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
  U.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
• Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, often with fluid accumulation. Pericarditis may be caused by many disorders (eg, infection, myocardial infarction, trauma, tumors, metabolic disorders) but is often idiopathic. Symptoms include chest pain or tightness, often worsened by deep breathing. Cardiac output may be greatly reduced...
  Merck Manuals
  Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
• Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin saclike membrane surrounding your heart. Pericarditis often causes chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. The sharp chest pain associated with pericarditis occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other.
  Mayo Clinic
  Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
• Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. The acute form is defined as new-onset inflammation lasting <4-6 weeks. It can be either fibrinous (dry) or effusive with a purulent, serous, or hemorrhagic exudate. It is characterized clinically by a triad of chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and serial electrocardiographic...
  Epocrates
  Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
• Pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, the membranous sac that encloses the heart. Acute pericarditis may be associated with a number of diseases and conditions, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), uremia (abnormally high levels of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in...
  Encyclopedia Britannica
  Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025