I97: Postprocedural disorders of circulatory system, not elsewhere classified

I97.0: Postcardiotomy syndrome

The pericardium is a layer of connective tissue surrounding the heart. There is some fluid in the pericardium (heart sac). So the heart is able to move inside this lining. The lungs are surrounded by a smooth membrane. A smooth membrane like this is also located inside the ribs. Both membranes cling to each other via a small amount of fluid.

Some time after heart surgery, the pericardium and the skin around the lungs can become inflamed. The precise cause of this is not known. The heart is probably being damaged by your own immune system.

When the pericardium or the skin around the lungs is inflamed, there may be various symptoms. One may have a high temperature and chest pain, for example.