[Pericarditis of the heart niches (author's transl)].
Pericarditis of the Niches of the Heart (PNH) is an inflammatory process, progressing in stages, at the base of the pericardium. It is acquired during life and results finally in the formation of callosities. Lymphozytes, plasma cells, blood capillaries, and histiozytes as collagen fibres of various density characterize the PNH histologically. In 104 (48%) of 216 examined pericardiums of all age groups, PNH could be shown. The frequency of occurrence increases with age. No correlation to any fundamental disease was found. Mechanical influences are the primary cause of the origin of PNH. The pulsations affecting the plica of the base of the pericard as well as frictional, tensional and shear forces may initiate the process via small lesions of the serosa.