PLEUROPERICARDITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pleuropericarditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of both the pleura and the pericardium. The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs, while the pericardium is a fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart. When both of these structures become inflamed, it leads to pleuropericarditis.
The inflammation in pleuropericarditis is often caused by an infectious agent, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Other potential causes include autoimmune disorders, radiation therapy, or certain medications. The condition can also occur as a complication of another disease, such as tuberculosis or lupus.
Common symptoms of pleuropericarditis include chest pain, which is often sharp or stabbing and worsened with deep breaths or movements. Other symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. It is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms are present, as pleuropericarditis can potentially lead to complications such as cardiac tamponade, where the fluid accumulation in the pericardium puts pressure on the heart, impairing its ability to function properly.
Diagnosis of pleuropericarditis typically involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests, including blood tests, imaging studies such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, and sometimes electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause, such as administering antibiotics for bacterial infections or managing symptoms with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. In severe cases, drainage of fluid from the pleura or pericardium may be necessary. Follow-up care
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Combined inflammation of the pericardium and of the pleura.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLEUROPERICARDITIS
- pleuropericarditic
- pleuropericarditiq
- pleuropericarditir
- pleuropurricarditis
- pl europericarditis
- ple uropericarditis
- pleu ropericarditis
- pleur opericarditis
- pleurope ricarditis
- pleuroper icarditis
- pleuroperi carditis
- pleuroperic arditis
- pleuroperica rditis
- pleuropericar ditis
- pleuropericard itis
- pleuropericardi tis
- pleuropericardit is
- pleuropericarditi s
Etymology of PLEUROPERICARDITIS
The word "pleuropericarditis" has its origin in three Greek roots: "pleuro-", "pericard-", and "-itis".
1. "Pleuro-" is derived from the Greek word "pleuron" meaning "side" or "rib". In medical terminology, it refers to the pleura, which is the thin membrane that lines the lungs and the chest cavity.
2. "Pericard-" is derived from the Greek word "peri" meaning "around" and "kardia" meaning "heart". The pericardium is the sac-like structure that surrounds and protects the heart.
3. "-itis" is a suffix used to indicate inflammation. It is derived from the Greek word "itis" meaning "inflammation".
