Inflammation of pericardial sac - reduces effectiveness of contractions
- Acute - serofibrinous, caseous, haemorrhagic & purulent
- Chronic - constrictive
Infections - Coxackie B, bacteria, TB, fungi etc Autoimmune - Rheumatic Fever, SLE, scleroderma, post-MI Other- uraemia, neoplasia, trauma
Signs:
- Saddle shaped ST segment with PR Depression
- Worse on inspiration lying down - betting leaning forwards
- Low-grade fever
- Friction rub on auscultation