Pericarditis in Children

What is pericarditis?

Pericarditis is caused by inflammation or infection of the pericardium. This is the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart. Normally, there is a small amount of fluid between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium and the heart. Often, when the pericardium becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between it and the heart increases. This is called a pericardial effusion. If the amount of fluid increases quickly, it can impair the ability of the heart to pump blood well. This condition is called pericardial tamponade.

What causes pericarditis?

In children, pericarditis is most likely to occur following surgery to repair heart defects. However, other causes may include the following:

  • Infection of the heart muscle (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic)

  • Chest injury

  • Connective tissue disorders such as lupus

What are the symptoms of pericarditis?


  • Chest pain that is often described as a sharp pain in the middle or left chest

  • A low-grade fever

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Shortness of breath

  • Heart palpitations

  • Fainting


How is pericarditis diagnosed?



  • Chest X-ray. A test that uses invisible X-ray energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. This helps evaluate the size of the heart.


  • Electrocardiogram (ECG). A simple test that detects and records the electrical activity of the heart.     

Treatment for pericarditis

Specific treatment for pericarditis will be determined by your child's health care provider based on the underlying cause and degree of heart impairment.


  • Medication, such as pain medications, medications that reduce inflammation, and antibiotic drugs. Treatment also may include medications that aid in heart function if it is significantly impaired

  • Aspiration (removal) of excess fluid that has collected in the pericardial sac

  • Surgery

Consult your child's health care provider for more information.