What condition is characterized as inflammation of the serous pericardium?

Pericarditis is the inflammation of the serous pericardium, which is the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels. This condition can arise from various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and post-myocardial infarction. The serous pericardium consists of two layers—the visceral layer that lines the heart and the parietal layer as the outer portion of the sac. Inflammation in this area can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, which may be sharp and worsen with deep breathing or coughing, and other signs related to the underlying cause of the inflammation. The condition typically results in a pericardial effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pericardium, further complicating the clinical picture. Understanding pericarditis is vital as it highlights the heart's protective mechanisms and the impact of inflammation on cardiac function.