pericardic

Pericardic is an adjective relating to the pericardium, the double-walled sac surrounding the heart. In modern medical usage, the standard term is pericardial, and pericardic is encountered mainly in older texts or as a nonstandard variant. The pericardium comprises an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer. The serous layer divides into the visceral layer (epicardium) that covers the heart and the parietal layer that lines the fibrous sac, with a small amount of lubricating fluid in the pericardial cavity. The fibrous pericardium anchors the heart within the mediastinum and helps limit its motion and distention.

Pericardic-related diseases are generally described as pericardial diseases. The most common conditions include pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), pericardial effusion (fluid accumulation in the cavity), and constrictive pericarditis (fibrous scarring that restricts the heart’s filling). Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia; in pericarditis a characteristic friction rub may be heard.

Diagnosis relies primarily on imaging, especially echocardiography, with chest X-ray, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging used as adjuncts. Electrocardiography may show specific changes that support the diagnosis.

Management depends on the condition. Uncomplicated pericarditis is often treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes colchicine; pericardial effusions may require drainage, and large or constrictive effusions may necessitate surgical pericardiectomy. Because pericardic is not the standard term, clinicians typically use pericardial to describe related anatomy or disease.