Pericardial disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can lead to pericarditis or pericardial effusion.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the pericardium.
- Heart Attack: Damage to the heart muscle can trigger pericarditis as part of the healing process.
- Injury or Trauma: Physical injury to the chest, such as from surgery or an accident, can affect the pericardium.
- Cancer: Tumors can invade the pericardium or cause fluid buildup.
- Kidney Failure: Severe kidney disease can lead to uremic pericarditis, where waste products accumulate in the blood and irritate the pericardium.