Pericarditis classification
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hardik Patel, M.D.
Overview
Pericarditis can be classified according to the composition of the inflammatory exudate or the composition of the fluid that accumulates around the heart. It can also be classified into "acute" and "chronic" forms, depending on the timing of presentation and duration.
Classification
Pericarditis can be classified according to the composition of the inflammatory exudate or the composition of the fluid that accumulates around the heart. Types include:
Acute Versus Chronic Pericarditis
Depending on the timing of presentation and duration, pericarditis can be classified into "acute" and "chronic" forms. Clinically, acute pericarditis presents within 6 weeks of the disease onset; subacute pericarditis presents within 6 weeks to 6 months of the disease onset; and chronic pericarditis manifests after 6 months of the disease onset. Acute pericarditis is more common than chronic pericarditis, and often occurs as a complication of viral infections, immunologic conditions, or as a result of a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Chronic pericarditis is less common. It may manifest as scarring of the pericardium, which is a condition known as constrictive pericarditis.