Pancarditis Health Dictionary

Acute or chronic in?ammation of the PERICARDIUM, the membranous sac that surrounds the HEART. It may occur on its own or as part of PANCARDITIS, when in?ammation also affects the MYOCARDIUM and ENDOCARDIUM (membranous lining of the inside of the heart). Various causes include virus infection, cancer and URAEMIA. (See also HEART, DISEASES OF.)... pericarditis

n. an acute or chronic inflammatory disorder of the muscle and lining membrane of the heart. When the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium) is also involved the condition is termed pancarditis. The principal causes are rheumatic fever and virus infections. There is enlargement of the heart, murmurs, embolism, and frequently arrhythmias. The treatment is that of the cause and complications. See also endocarditis.

A chronic condition, endomyocardial fibrosis, is seen in Black Africans: the cause is unknown.... endomyocarditis

n. acute or chronic inflammation of the heart muscle. It may be seen alone or as part of pancarditis (see endomyocarditis).... myocarditis