How Do You Spell PERICARDIAL MURMUR?

1. A pericardial murmur refers to an abnormal sound produced within the pericardium, the membranous sac that surrounds and protects the heart. This condition is characterized by the presence of an extra or unusual noise heard during auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) of the chest. The murmur is typically described as a scratching, rubbing, or grating sound, which can be intermittent or continuous in nature.

   Pericardial murmurs are often caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a condition known as pericarditis. This inflammation can result from various causes, including infection (such as a viral or bacterial infection), autoimmune disorders, certain medications, or after a heart attack or chest trauma. The murmur occurs as the inflamed pericardial layers rub against each other or against the heart's surface during heart movements.

   The presence of a pericardial murmur can be a concerning sign, as it may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Other symptoms that may accompany a pericardial murmur include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history assessment, physical examination, and additional tests such as an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or chest X-ray. Treatment primarily focuses on managing the underlying cause of the murmur, which may involve anti-inflammatory medications, pain relief, antibiotics, or in severe cases, pericardiocentesis (a procedure to drain fluid from the pericardial sac) or surgery to repair or remove the pericardium.

2. A friction sound, synchronous with the heart movements, heard in certain cases of pericarditis.

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

Common Misspellings for PERICARDIAL MURMUR

The word "pericardial" comes from the Greek roots "peri-" meaning "around" and "kardia" meaning "heart". It refers to the pericardium, which is a sac-like membrane that surrounds and protects the heart.

The word "murmur" derives from the Latin verb "murmurare", meaning "to murmur, roar, or hum". In a medical context, "murmur" refers to an abnormal sound or vibration heard during a heartbeat, typically indicating a problem with the heart valves or other structures.

Therefore, "pericardial murmur" describes an abnormal sound or vibration around the heart caused by a condition involving the pericardium.