ABSTRACT
Pericarditis This is infl ammation of the pericardium surrounding the heart and can be caused by infec tions (viral or TB), as a complication of MI, kidney failure or metastatic disease. The most common symptom is a sharp stabbing retro-sternal chest pain often radiat ing to the jaw, back or to the left side of the chest. The pain is often worsened on deep inspiration and lying fl at but may improve when the patient sits up or leans forward.
