What is pericarditis?

Inflamation: Inflamation of the membranes of the sac that encloses the heart and part of the major heart vessels. The sac is called the pericardium or sac around the cardium or heart.

Pericarditis: Pericarditis is inflammation of the tissue covering of the heart. It is commonly caused by viruses and sometimes other infections or inflammatory diseases. There are other causes also. The viral form generally goes away itself but can recur. Other forms may need special treatment like drainage of the pericardial sac to remove fluid if it interferes with heart function.

Inflammation: Inflammation of lining of heart secondary to multitude of causes.

Inflammation of: The pericardial sac around the heart.