How Do You Spell PERICARDIAL FREMITUS?

1. Pericardial fremitus is a medical term that refers to the vibrating or pulsating sensation that can be felt upon touching the chest wall over the area of the heart, caused by the movement of fluid within the pericardial cavity. The pericardial cavity is a small space between the two protective layers surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. This fluid-filled sac normally helps to prevent any friction or rubbing between the heart and surrounding structures during its rhythmic contractions.

   However, in certain medical conditions such as pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the pericardium, there may be an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pericardial cavity. This fluid accumulation can lead to compression and restriction of the heart's movement, resulting in pericardial fremitus.

   Pericardial fremitus can be detected through palpation, whereby a healthcare professional gently places their hands on the chest to feel for vibrations or pulsations. The presence of pericardial fremitus is often indicative of an underlying pericardial pathology, such as pericarditis, pericardial effusion, or cardiac tamponade.

   Timely diagnosis of pericardial fremitus is crucial, as it helps guide further investigations, such as echocardiography, to assess the extent of pericardial involvement and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Interventions may include medications to reduce inflammation and fluid accumulation, drainage of excess fluid, or in severe cases, surgical intervention.

   In summary, pericardial fremitus refers to the palpable vibrations or pulsations felt on the chest wall due to the movement of fluid within the pericardial cavity, often indicating an abnormality of the per

2. Vibration in the chest wall produced by the friction of opposing roughened surfaces of the pericardium.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PERICARDIAL FREMITUS

The word "pericardial fremitus" is a medical term that is derived from two different origins.

1. Pericardial: The word "pericardial" derives from the Greek words "peri" meaning "around" and "kardia" meaning "heart". It refers to the pericardium, which is the membrane that surrounds and protects the heart.

2. Fremitus: The word "fremitus" comes from the Latin word "fremitus" meaning "a roaring, murmuring, or humming sound". In medicine, it is used to describe the vibration or trembling sensation that can sometimes be felt or heard when there is abnormal movement or friction within the thorax.