An inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like covering of the heart, caused by a bacterial infection. Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Bacterial infections are one cause of pericarditis . Since the advent of antibiotics, bacterial pericarditis has become relatively rare, affecting approximately 1 out of 10,000 people. It most often occurs in men between the ages of 20 and 50, most frequently after some type of respiratory infection. The bacterial infection causes inflammation and swelling of the pericardium.
Pain occurs as a result of the inflamed pericardium rubbing against the heart.
Fluid may accumulate in the pericardial sac. There may be signs of associated pneumonia . CT scan a coronary angiography an echocardiogram An ECG may show changes. The goal of treatment is to improve heart function. Antibiotics are used aggressively to treat bacterial infections.