Pericarditis

WHAT IS IT?

Pericarditis refers to

There are a few different types of pericarditis that have different causes:

  • Acute pericarditis: exactly as the name suggests, this is pericarditis that has an acute onset.

Causes can include: coxsackievirus, uremia, recent MI, tuberculosis

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk factors:

Friction rub might be heard on auscultation.

Kussmaul sign may be present. This is an increase in JVP that occurs with inspiration (normally this should decrease).

CLINCIAL WORKUP: OTHER 

Electrocardiogram:

  • Electrical alternans: this finding is pathognomonic for pericardial effusion (which can be present with pericarditis. 
HOW DO WE RULE OTHER DIAGNOSES OUT?
HOW DO WE TREAT IT? 
HOW WELL DO THE PATIENTS DO?
WAS THERE A WAY TO PREVENT IT? 
WHAT ELSE ARE WE WORRIED ABOUT? 
OTHER HY FACTS?

Postinfarction fibrinous pericarditis: this is a complication of acute myocardial infarction

Dressler syndrome: is an autoimmune phenomenon resulting in fibrinous pericarditis

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

Page Updated: 06.15.2016