Acute Pericarditis

Clinical History

A 68 year old woman with Paget's disease of bone, died before arrival in hospital. There was no history to indicate the origin of the pericarditis but uraemia is a possible explanation.


The enlarged heart displays a visceral pericardium which appears red and thickened. Many irregular pale fibrinous adhesions project from the pericardium. The aetiology of this acute pericarditis is uncertain.

Post Mortem

The pericardium contained 2 pints of blood-stained fluid and pulmonary infarcts were present.