The pericardium is a double-layered fibro-serous sac that envelops the majority of the surface of the heart as well as the great vessels. Pericardial fluid is also contained within the pericardial space. Together, the pericardium and pericardial fluid contribute to a homeostatic environment that facilitates normal cardiac function. Different diseases and procedural interventions may disrupt this homeostatic space causing an imbalance in the composition of immune mediators or by mechanical stress. Inflammatory cells, cytokines, and chemokines are present in the pericardial space. How these specific mediators contribute to different diseases is the subject of debate and research. With the advent of highly specialized assays that can identify and quantify various mediators we can potentially establish specific and sensitive biomarkers that can be used to differentiate pathologies, and aid clinicians in improving clinical outcomes for patients.

心包是双层纤维浆液囊，包裹着大部分心脏表面和大血管。心包液也包含在心包空间内。心包和心包液共同构成促进正常心脏功能的稳态环境。不同的疾病和程序干预可能会破坏这个稳态空间，导致免疫介质组成的不平衡或机械压力。炎性细胞、细胞因子和趋化因子存在于心包腔中。这些特定的介质如何导致不同的疾病是争论和研究的主题。