Pericardial

Term: PericardialDefinition: Relating to the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encloses the heart.Phonetic Pronunciation: (per-ih-KAR-dee-uhl)Origin: The term "pericardial" originates from the Greek words "peri," meaning "around," and "kardia," meaning "heart." It has been used in medical contexts to describe the structures surrounding the heart since the 17th century.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos exposure, pericardial involvement can indicate serious health issues, such as pericardial mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer affecting the pericardium. This condition is often linked to asbestos exposure, making it critical for asbestos-related medical assessments.Example Sentence: The patient's history of asbestos exposure raised concerns about the possibility of pericardial mesothelioma when abnormalities were detected in the pericardial sac.Related Terms: Pericardium, Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Pleural, CardiacNotes: - Pericardial mesothelioma is less common than pleural or peritoneal forms. - Symptoms of pericardial involvement may include chest pain and breathing difficulties. - Early diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity of the condition.