Acute pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardium
Acute pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. It is a common condition that can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms.
Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of acute pericarditis is sharp, stabbing chest pain that may radiate to the neck, shoulder, or back. The pain is often worsened by lying down or taking a deep breath and relieved by sitting up and leaning forward. Other symptoms may include fever, cough, and dyspnea (shortness of breath).
Causes[edit | edit source]
Acute pericarditis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Viral infections (most common)
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Trauma or injury to the chest
- Cancer
- Kidney failure
- Certain medications
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of acute pericarditis is typically based on clinical presentation and may be supported by diagnostic tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) - often shows characteristic changes such as widespread ST elevation
- Echocardiogram - can assess for pericardial effusion
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests - to check for markers of inflammation and infection
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of acute pericarditis depends on the underlying cause but often includes:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
- Colchicine to reduce inflammation
- Corticosteroids in certain cases
- Treatment of the underlying cause, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections
Complications[edit | edit source]
Complications of acute pericarditis can include:
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for acute pericarditis is generally good, especially when treated promptly. Most patients recover fully, although some may experience recurrent episodes.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD