Adhesions may be present between the layers of the pericardium or between the pericardium and other parts of the chest area. This is not a serious condition, but if untreated, it may develop into constrictive pericarditis. If you have viral pericarditis, you may have chest discomfort or pain and fever. You probably have had a recent upper respiratory infection. Most likely you will not have a recurrence.
Bacterial pericarditis is rare.
It generally occurs in debilitated, chronically ill people who have other underlying diseases. Bacterial pericarditis very rarely occurs as an isolated illness. The symptoms of the underlying disease vary. Bacterial pericarditis is treated with antibiotic medication, by drainage of excess fluids and sometimes by early pericardiectomy surgery to prevent constrictive pericarditis. The incidence of bacterial pericarditis has declined sharply with the advent of penicillin and other antibiotics.