What is the medical term for inflammation of the pericardium?

Pericarditis is the medical term that specifically refers to the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, and sometimes following a heart attack or heart surgery. The inflammation can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, which may worsen with deep breathing or lying down, and may also be associated with a characteristic pericardial friction rub noted on physical examination.

The other terms refer to other types of inflammation: myocarditis pertains to the inflammation of the myocardium (the heart muscle), pleuritis indicates inflammation of the pleura (the lining of the lungs), and endocarditis describes inflammation of the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves). Understanding these terms aids in differentiating the specific location and cause of cardiac-related inflammatory conditions.