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Post-MI pericarditis

Post-MI pericarditis

Overview

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 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.

Review Date 7/14/2024

Updated by: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.