PERICARDITIS OBLITERANS Meaning and
Definition
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Pericarditis obliterans is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and subsequent scarring of the pericardium, which is the membranous sac surrounding the heart. The term "pericarditis" refers to the inflammation of the pericardium, whereas "obliterans" refers to the process of obliteration or narrowing of the pericardial space.
This condition often arises as a result of chronic and recurring pericardial inflammation, which can be caused by various factors such as infections (such as tuberculosis or viral infections), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), radiation therapy, or traumatic injury to the chest. The inflammation leads to the production of excess fluid within the pericardial sac, which can impair the heart's ability to function properly.
As pericardial inflammation persists over time, the body attempts to repair the damaged tissue by forming scar tissue in the pericardial space. This scarring process can lead to the gradual fusion and adhesion of the pericardium to the heart muscle, causing the pericardial sac to lose its elasticity. Consequently, the heart's movements become restricted, potentially leading to a variety of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue.
Pericarditis obliterans is typically diagnosed through physical examination, medical imaging techniques (such as echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging), and analysis of pericardial fluid obtained through pericardiocentesis. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition, but can include medications to reduce inflammation, antibiotics to treat infections, or surgical interventions such as pericardiectomy to remove scar tissue and improve cardiac function.
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Inflammation of the pericardium leading to adhesion of the two layers, obliterating the sac.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PERICARDITIS OBLITERANS
- oericarditis obliterans
- lericarditis obliterans
- -ericarditis obliterans
- 0ericarditis obliterans
- pwricarditis obliterans
- psricarditis obliterans
- pdricarditis obliterans
- prricarditis obliterans
- p4ricarditis obliterans
- p3ricarditis obliterans
- peeicarditis obliterans
- pedicarditis obliterans
- peficarditis obliterans
- peticarditis obliterans
- pe5icarditis obliterans
- pe4icarditis obliterans
- perucarditis obliterans
- perjcarditis obliterans
- perkcarditis obliterans
- perocarditis obliterans
Etymology of PERICARDITIS OBLITERANS
The word "pericarditis obliterans" is derived from two main components: "pericarditis" and "obliterans".
1. Pericarditis: The term "pericarditis" is derived from two Greek terms - "peri" meaning "around" or "surrounding" and "kardio" meaning "heart". Pericarditis refers to an inflammation of the pericardium, which is the double-layered sac that surrounds and protects the heart.
2. Obliterans: The term "obliterans" is derived from the Latin word "obliterare", which means "to erase" or "to blot out". In medical terminology, "obliterans" refers to a condition characterized by the narrowing or complete blockage of blood vessels.
