Bacterial pericarditis: Inflammation and swelling of the pericardium (fibrous sac surrounding the heart) due to a bacterial infection. It can occur as a complication of a bacterial infection in some other part of the body. It is most often a complication of a respiratory infection but skin and oral infections may also be a cause. Bacterial pericarditis may also occur after heart surgery. It occurs predominantly in males aged 20 to 50 years. The condition may be misdiagnosed as a heart attack and vice versa. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Bacterial pericarditis is available below.
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Prognosis for Bacterial pericarditis: The condition is rare but serious and can result in death. Prompt treatment usually leads to a full recovery.
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