Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
07:15

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

Published on: September 2, 2021

Myopericarditis and pericarditis in the deployed military member: a retrospective series

Andrew H Lin1, Hoang-Anh L Phan, Robert V Barthel

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134, USA.

Military Medicine
|January 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study tracked pericarditis and myopericarditis in military personnel in Iraq and Kuwait. Smallpox vaccination was linked more strongly to myopericarditis than pericarditis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Military Medicine

Background:

  • Acute pericarditis and myopericarditis are significant concerns for deployed military members.
  • Reintroduction of smallpox vaccination in 2002 prompted renewed interest in these conditions.
  • Limited epidemiologic data exists for these conditions in the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and etiology of pericarditis and myopericarditis.
  • To analyze data from U.S. Armed Service Members deployed to Iraq and Kuwait between 2004 and 2008.
  • To assess the relationship between smallpox vaccination and these cardiac conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of cardiology patient data from United States Military Hospital Kuwait (2004-2008).
  • Inclusion of approximately 721,600 service members deployed to Iraq and Kuwait during the study period.
  • Diagnosis confirmation for pericarditis and myopericarditis.

Main Results:

  • An estimated incidence of 7.4 cases per 100,000 per year for pericarditis and 0.95 for myopericarditis.
  • Eleven patients diagnosed with pericarditis or myopericarditis had received smallpox vaccine 4-30 days prior.
  • Smallpox vaccination showed a preferential association with myopericarditis (7/11 cases) compared to pericarditis (4/11 cases).

Conclusions:

  • Incidence rates observed were lower than previously reported general population rates.
  • Smallpox vaccination is preferentially related to myopericarditis over pericarditis.
  • Findings provide crucial epidemiologic data on cardiac inflammatory conditions in deployed military personnel.

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management01:25

Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...