Which condition is characterized by inflammation in the tissue surrounding the heart?

Pericarditis is characterized by inflammation in the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. This condition can occur due to various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or after a heart attack. The inflammation can lead to a number of symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations, as it affects the heart's function and can create friction as the heart beats.

Myocarditis involves inflammation of the heart muscle itself, which can impact the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Endocarditis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, typically caused by infections. Aortitis is the inflammation of the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, but it does not involve the surrounding tissue of the heart. Thus, the specificity of pericarditis being limited to the surrounding tissue of the heart makes it the correct answer.