Fibrinous pericarditis (preparation)

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Enlargement

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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

 For more information see Histology of the Heart.

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.

Links

Related Articles

• Pericarditis (pathology)

External links

• Fibrinous Pericarditis (Virtual Database)

References

• POVÝŠIL, Ctibor – ŠTEINER, Ivo – BARTONÍČEK, Jan. Speciální patologie. 2. edition. Galén, 2007. 430 pp. ISBN 978-807262-494-2.

• BRYCHTOVÁ, Svetlana – HLOBILKOVÁ, Alice. Histopatologický atlas. 1. edition. Grada, 2008. 112 pp. ISBN 978-80-247-1650-3.