What is the most common cause of pericarditis?

The most common cause of pericarditis is viral infection, particularly due to viruses such as Coxsackievirus, echovirus, and, more recently, influenza and SARS-CoV-2. This prevalence is attributed to the fact that viral infections can lead to inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, causing pericarditis.

In the context of pericarditis, viral infections are often self-limiting and can occur following a respiratory illness, making it a common and recognizable etiology. While bacterial infections and other conditions like autoimmune diseases and malignancies can also cause pericarditis, they are far less common compared to viral infections. This distinction is important for clinicians not only in diagnosing the condition but also in guiding treatment and discussions regarding prognosis, as viral pericarditis tends to have a more favorable outcome with appropriate management.