Acute pericarditis
| Acute pericarditis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Chest pain, fever, pericardial friction rub |
| Complications | Cardiac tamponade, constrictive pericarditis |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Usually less than 3 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Viral infection, bacterial infection, myocardial infarction, autoimmune disease |
| Risks | Male, age 20-50, recent respiratory infection |
| Diagnosis | Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | NSAIDs, colchicine, corticosteroids |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Complications of acute pericarditis can include:
Prognosis[edit]
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]
Gallery[edit]
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Illustration of acute pericarditis
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ECG showing signs of acute pericarditis
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Illustration of acute pericarditis
