What condition is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium?

The condition characterized by inflammation of the pericardium is pericarditis. The pericardium is the fibrous sac that surrounds the heart, and when it becomes inflamed, it can lead to a range of symptoms including chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of fullness. Pericarditis can occur due to a variety of causes, including infection, autoimmune diseases, and post-surgery complications.

Understanding pericarditis is crucial for recognizing its symptoms and potential complications, such as fluid accumulation in the pericardial space or constrictive pericarditis if inflammation persists. This condition is distinct from myocarditis, which refers to inflammation of the heart muscle itself, and endocarditis, which affects the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, refers to diseases of the heart muscle that affect its size, shape, and ability to pump blood. Each of these conditions involves different structures of the heart and has separate implications for treatment and management.