n. an acute or chronic inflammatory disorder of the muscle and lining membrane of the heart. When the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium) is also involved the condition is termed pancarditis. The principal causes are rheumatic fever and virus infections. There is enlargement of the heart, murmurs, embolism, and frequently arrhythmias. The treatment is that of the cause and complications. See also endocarditis.
A chronic condition, endomyocardial fibrosis, is seen in Black Africans: the cause is unknown.
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