Can pericarditis cause infection or trauma?

Pericarditis itself is typically an inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart, and is often caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or post-surgical complications. While it can result from infections, such as viral or bacterial infections, it does not directly cause infections or trauma. However, the inflammation associated with pericarditis can lead to complications, including the potential for infectious pericarditis if pathogens invade the pericardial space. Trauma can also lead to pericarditis, but it is not a direct result of the condition itself.