Acute pericarditis

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

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:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of acute pericarditis is typically based on clinical presentation and may be supported by diagnostic tests such as:

ECG showing changes typical of acute pericarditis

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of acute pericarditis depends on the underlying cause but often includes:

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