MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Bacterial pericarditis

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Bacterial pericarditis

Bacterial pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like covering of the heart, caused by a bacterial infection. The bacterial infection causes inflammation and swelling of the pericardium. Pain occurs as a result of the inflamed pericardium rubbing against the heart.

Update Date: 7/17/2006

Updated by: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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