Fibrinous pericarditis (preparation)

Clear display Enlargement - Fibrinous pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium with fibrin deposits on the surface. Clinically, it manifests as a friction murmur when listening to the heart.

Histology
See the Histology of the Heart page for more detailed information .

Causes
Causes of fibrinous pericarditis include:


 * myocardial infarction ,
 * uremia ,
 * some viruses (coxsackie),
 * rheumatic fever ,
 * systemic diseases of the connective tissue – lupus erythematosus ,
 * radiation damage,
 * reactions after cardiac operations with pericardiotomy,
 * pericarditis without known cause.

Macroscopy
Both leaves of the pericardium are covered with fibrin plaques, which cause a dull to rough (fringed) appearance of the surface. In severe cases, the layer of fibrin can be several millimeters thick, sticking both sheets together.

Microscopy
On the epicardial surface, there are amorphous, strongly eosinophilic masses formed by fibrin and mixed inflammatory cellularization ( neutrophils, macrophages , lymphocytes ). From the side of the epicardium, the growth of fibroblasts and capillaries of granulation tissue (organization) is visible during healing.

Prognosis and complications
During the healing of fibrinous pericarditis, fibrous adhesions can form between both pericardial sheets. Adhesions can be focal or diffuse and lead to partial or complete obliteration of the pericardial cavity. Dystrophic calcifications are also often present.

Related Articles

 * Pericarditis (pathology)