Causes
Pericarditis may be associated with:
- Viral infections, such as influenza and "common cold"
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
- Recent heart attack
- Recent heart surgery
- Cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Kidney failure
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Certain medications
A specific cause of pericarditis is found in only 20-30 percent of cases. Treatment can depend on the causes, so it is important to identify the cause if possible. When the cause cannot be determined, the condition is known as idiopathic pericarditis.