Which describes common etiologies of viral pericarditis?

Which describes common etiologies of viral pericarditis?

• A. Bacteria only
• B. Enteroviruses only
• C. Enteroviruses, herpesviruses, adenovirus, and parvovirus B19
• D. Parasites

Answer: (C)

Viral pericarditis has a broad viral cause spectrum, with enteroviruses traditionally being the most common culprits. But many other viruses can also trigger pericarditis, including herpesviruses, adenovirus, and parvovirus B19. That makes a description that lists enteroviruses along with these other viral families the most accurate. Bacteria and parasites are not the viral etiologies of concern here, and limiting to enteroviruses alone misses other well-recognized viral causes. In practice, when evaluating viral pericarditis, consider this broader group of viruses as potential etiologies.

Viral pericarditis has a broad viral cause spectrum, with enteroviruses traditionally being the most common culprits. But many other viruses can also trigger pericarditis, including herpesviruses, adenovirus, and parvovirus B19. That makes a description that lists enteroviruses along with these other viral families the most accurate. Bacteria and parasites are not the viral etiologies of concern here, and limiting to enteroviruses alone misses other well-recognized viral causes. In practice, when evaluating viral pericarditis, consider this broader group of viruses as potential etiologies.