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Created page with '==Inflammatory-Pericarditis== Usually an infective aetiology. As with non-inflammatory accumulation of fluid the main complication is the restriction of ventricular movement. …'
==Inflammatory-Pericarditis==

Usually an infective aetiology. As with non-inflammatory accumulation of fluid the main complication is the restriction of ventricular movement. Clinical signs seen are therefore those of circulatory failure along with pyrexia and a general depression.
[[Image:Pericarditis-histo.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

Spread of infectious agent may be:
*Haematogenous; following generalised infection. Most often seen in cattle and pigs.
*Extension of infection form surrounding tissues; for example from the lungs, pleura, mediastinum.
*Extension of infection from myocardium; rare.
*Traumatic penetration of the pericardium;
**Foreign bodies from the oesophagus or reticulum in cattle; [[Traumatic_Reticulitis|traumatic reticulo-peritonitis]].
**Fractured ribs; E.g. RTAs in small animals, horses etc.

Pericarditis can be subdivided into two main categories:

===Fibrinous pericarditis===

[[Image:Fibrinous pericarditis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Fibrinous pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

Most common form. Grey strands of fibrin cover the epicardium and little fluid accumulates. Close apposition of the parietal and visceral pericardium layers allows adhesion formation within approximatley 7-10 days. Such adhesions may resolve with little residual pathology or may become focal or diffuse adhesive pericarditis lesions.

Fibrinous pericarditis produces a crackiling sound on auscultation.

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===Suppurative pericarditis===
[[Image:traumatic pericarditis 2.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Traumatic pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
Purulent pericarditis indicates the presence of pyogenic organisms E.g. Staphs
Usually occurs in cattle as a result of traumatic penetration of the pericardial sac with a sharp metallic object or ''wire''. This is [[Traumatic_Reticulitis|Traumatic reticulo-peritonitis]]
Death usually occurs before organisation and a constrictive pericarditis can become apparent.
[[Image:traumatic reticulitis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Traumatic pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
[[Image:Traumatic pericarditis 4.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Traumatic pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
'''Sequalae of pericarditis:'''
*Resolution with no further clinical significance.
*Adhesion: organisation of fibrin. May lead to a ''bread and butter'' appearance.
*Constriction: gradual [[Cardiac Tamponade - Pathology|cardiac tamponade]] will occur.[[Category:Pericardial_Pathology]]
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