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Pericarditis

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Last amended 
16 June 2015

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter - Pericarditis Factor

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is the fibroserous sac that surrounds the heart and the roots of the great vessels, comprising an external layer of fibrous tissue and an inner serous layer. The base of the pericardium is attached to the central tendon of the diaphragm.

Chronic pericarditis is symptomless but acute pericarditis causes chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, pericardial rub, ECG changes or X-ray changes.

There are many causes of pericarditis.

Last reviewed for CCPS 16 July 2003.

Preliminary questions [14885]

14892 there is some evidence that pericarditis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

10941 the veteran has suffered from pericarditis at some time.

10942 the veteran suffered from pericarditis as a consequence of an illness or injury which is identifiable.

10943 as a consequence of the identified illness or injury, the veteran suffered from pericarditis within the 30 days immediately before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

10944  the veteran has established the causal connection between the pericarditis and operational service for the clinical onset of atrial fibrillation.

Clinical onset and operational service [10944]

10945  the identified illness or injury which caused the pericarditis is causally related to operational service.