Chronic pericarditis is long-lasting, gradual inflammation of the pericardium, causing accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space or thickening of the pericardium. The chronic varieties of pericarditis are rare. Chronic pericarditis is usually preceded by acute pericarditis (although acute pericarditis is more common and usually self-limiting).
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/cardiovascular-disease/chronic-pericarditis