How Do You Spell PYOPERICARDIUM?

1. Pyopericardium is a medical term referring to the accumulation of pus within the pericardial sac, which is the membrane surrounding the heart. The term is derived from the Greek words "pyo" meaning pus, "peri" meaning around, and "cardium" meaning heart.

   The pericardium is a double-layered sac that protects and lubricates the heart, reducing friction during cardiac contractions. It consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer. When an infection occurs in the pericardial space, it may lead to an inflammatory response, resulting in the formation and accumulation of pus. This condition is known as pyopericardium.

   Pyopericardium can arise due to various causes, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. It may also occur as a complication of a penetrating chest injury or as a result of an invasive cardiac procedure. Symptoms of pyopericardium often include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, and an increased heart rate.

   Diagnosis of pyopericardium typically involves conducting a thorough physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies such as echocardiography or computed tomography (CT), and sometimes pericardial fluid analysis. Treatment usually involves a combination of supportive care, intravenous antibiotics, and drainage of the infected fluid. In severe cases, emergency surgical intervention may be required to remove the infected material and repair any associated damage to the heart.

   Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of pyopericardium are crucial to prevent potential complications such as cardiac tamponade, which is the compression of the heart due to the accumulation of excessive fluid within the pericardial sac.

2. An accumulation of pus in the pericardial sac.

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

Common Misspellings for PYOPERICARDIUM

The word "pyopericardium" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots.

The first root, "pyo", comes from the Greek word "pýon", which means "pus". It is often used as a prefix to indicate the presence of pus or a purulent process, as in "pyogenic" (pus-producing) or "pyuria" (pus in the urine).

The second root, "pericardium", comes from the Greek word "perikárdion", which refers to the pericardium. The pericardium is a protective sac-like structure that surrounds the heart.

Therefore, when combined, "pyopericardium" literally means "pus in the pericardium". It is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the accumulation of pus within the pericardial sac.