MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Post-MI pericarditis

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Post-MI pericarditis

Post-MI pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (the sac-like covering of the heart). Any previous injury to the heart muscle can cause pericarditis. Incidences of pericarditis are associated with Dressler's syndrome, after a heart attack, open heart surgery, and may also follow stab wounds to the heart or blunt chest trauma. Pain occurs when the inflamed pericardium rubs on the heart.

Update Date: 7/20/2006

Updated by: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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