Pericardial friction rub

Pericardial friction rub is a specific medical sign that is often associated with pericarditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like structure that surrounds the heart. This sign is typically detected through auscultation, a common diagnostic technique used in medicine to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body.

Definition

A pericardial friction rub is a distinctive, high-pitched, scratching or grating sound produced by the movement of the inflamed layers of the pericardium against each other. This sound is often compared to the noise made by walking on fresh snow or rubbing hair between fingers.

Causes

The primary cause of a pericardial friction rub is pericarditis. However, other conditions that can cause inflammation or damage to the pericardium, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack), trauma to the chest, or surgery involving the heart, can also result in a pericardial friction rub.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a pericardial friction rub is typically made through auscultation using a stethoscope. The sound is best heard when the patient is sitting up and leaning forward, and it may vary in intensity and frequency. It is often more noticeable during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle.

Treatment

The treatment for a pericardial friction rub primarily involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include medications to reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or procedures to drain excess fluid from the pericardium, such as pericardiocentesis.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a pericardial friction rub largely depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is acute pericarditis, the prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, if the cause is a more serious condition, such as a heart attack, the prognosis may be less favorable.

See also

• Heart sounds
• Cardiology
• Physical examination