Cardiopericarditis is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation and swelling of the heart and the membrane surrounding it, called the pericardium. The word is spelled as /kɑrdiəʊpɛrɪkɑrdɪtɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the first syllable, "car." The "o" in "cardio" is pronounced as a short "o" sound, while the "a" in "pericarditis" is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The word is a combination of the Greek words "cardio" for heart, "peri" for around, and "itis" for inflammation.
Cardiopericarditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of both the heart muscle (myocardium) and the pericardium, the protective membrane surrounding the heart. This condition usually arises as a result of an infection, often viral, which causes irritation and swelling in these tissues.
The symptoms of cardiopericarditis may include chest pain or discomfort that can radiate to the neck or back, as well as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and fatigue. In some cases, individuals may experience swelling in the legs or ankles and a cough. The presence of these symptoms may indicate the need for medical attention to rule out other potentially serious cardiac conditions and to accurately diagnose and treat cardiopericarditis.
The causes of cardiopericarditis can vary and may include viral infections such as those caused by the Coxsackie or influenza viruses. Additionally, bacterial or fungal infections, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, and certain medications can also contribute to the development of this condition.
The diagnosis of cardiopericarditis typically involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests including blood work, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and potentially an imaging study such as a chest X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation, managing symptoms through nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, and potentially hospitalization or surgery in severe cases.
Overall, cardiopericarditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of both the heart muscle and the pericardium, often caused by infections or autoimmune disorders. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial
Inflammation of both myocardium and pericardium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cardiopericarditis" is derived from three different roots:
1. "Cardio-" comes from the Greek word "kardia", meaning "heart". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to anything related to the heart.
2. "Peri-" is also derived from the Greek language and means "around" or "surrounding". It is frequently used in medical terminology to indicate something around or surrounding a specific organ or structure.
3. "Pericarditis" is a medical term that refers to the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the protective sac surrounding the heart. The term "pericarditis" is made up of "peri-" (as explained above) and "carditis", which involves inflammation of the heart.