**Core Concept**
Fibrinous pericarditis is an inflammatory condition of the pericardium characterized by the deposition of fibrin, leading to a fibrotic and potentially restrictive process. This condition often arises as a complication of myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, or autoimmune diseases.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In fibrinous pericarditis, the pericardial space is filled with a fibrinous exudate, which is a result of the activation of the coagulation cascade. This process involves the release of pro-coagulant factors, such as thrombin, and the deposition of fibrinogen. The fibrinogen is then converted to fibrin, which forms a fibrotic layer in the pericardial space. This process can lead to a restrictive pericarditis, where the fibrotic layer restricts cardiac filling and function.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because fibrinous pericarditis is not typically associated with viral infections. While viral pericarditis can occur, it is usually characterized by a lymphocytic infiltrate rather than a fibrinous exudate.

**Option B:** This option is incorrect because rheumatoid arthritis is more commonly associated with pleurisy and pericarditis, but the pericarditis is typically serous rather than fibrinous.

**Option C:** This option is incorrect because uremia is associated with a different type of pericarditis, known as uremic pericarditis, which is characterized by a pericardial effusion with a high protein content.

**Option D:** This option is incorrect because post-myocardial infarction pericarditis is typically associated with a serous pericardial effusion rather than a fibrinous exudate.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Fibrinous pericarditis can be a complication of cardiac surgery, particularly after cardiac transplantation or cardiac bypass surgery. In these cases, the pericarditis is often due to the release of pro-coagulant factors during the surgical procedure.

**Correct Answer: D.