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[Pericarditis of the heart niches (author's transl)]
Insights
Pericarditis of the Niches of the Heart (PNH) is an acquired inflammatory condition characterized by callosities. Mechanical forces, not underlying disease, initiate PNH, with incidence increasing with age.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Histology
- Inflammatory Processes
Context:
- Pericarditis of the Niches of the Heart (PNH) is a distinct pathological process affecting the pericardium.
- PNH is acquired postnatally and leads to fibrotic changes (callosities).
- Histological examination reveals lymphocytes, plasma cells, capillaries, and varying collagen densities.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and etiological factors of Pericarditis of the Niches of the Heart (PNH).
- To characterize the histological features of PNH.
- To determine the relationship between PNH and age or underlying diseases.
Summary:
- PNH was identified in 48% of 216 examined pericardiums across all age groups.
- The incidence of PNH significantly increases with advancing age.
- No correlation was found between PNH and any fundamental disease, indicating it is not a secondary manifestation.
Impact:
- Mechanical influences, including pulsations and shear forces on the pericardium, are identified as the primary cause of PNH initiation.
- Understanding the mechanical etiology of PNH can inform future research into prevention and management.
- The findings highlight PNH as an age-related condition primarily driven by mechanical stress rather than systemic illness.
Abstract:
Pericarditis of the Niches of the Heart (PNH) is an inflammatory process, progressing in stages, at the base of the pericardium. It is acquired during life and results finally in the formation of callosities. Lymphozytes, plasma cells, blood capillaries, and histiozytes as collagen fibres of various density characterize the PNH histologically. In 104 (48%) of 216 examined pericardiums of all age groups, PNH could be shown. The frequency of occurrence increases with age. No correlation to any fundamental disease was found. Mechanical influences are the primary cause of the origin of PNH. The pulsations affecting the plica of the base of the pericard as well as frictional, tensional and shear forces may initiate the process via small lesions of the serosa.