Acute pericarditis

Abstract

Conflict of interest: noneAcute pericarditis is a common disease caused by inflammation of the pericardium, usually benign and self-limited and can occur as an isolated or as a manifestation of a systemic disease entity. Represents 5% of all causes of chest pain in the emergency room. The main etiology are viral infections, although it can also be secondary to systemic diseases and infections. The main complication of acute pericarditis is pericardial effusion, triggering a cardiac tamponade. The first line of treatment is the use of anti-inflammatory and or acetylsalicylic acid. Most patients have a good initial response to an NSAID associated to colchicine and became asymptomatic within a few days. This review article seeks to contemplate the main clinical findings and armed investigation to optimize the diagnosis of this important disease, as well as addressing their therapeutic management.Keywords: acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion, chest pain, colchicine. clinical definitionThe pericardium is a fibroelastic sac composed of two layers (visceral and parietal), separated by a virtual space called the pericardial cavity, which is filled with 15 to 50 mL of plasma ultrafiltrate in healthy subjects. Acute pericarditis is a common disease caused by inflammation of the pericardium, usually benign and selflimited, and may occur as an isolated entity or as a manifestation of a systemic disease.The real incidence and prevalence of pericarditis is difficult to quantify. Necropsy studies suggest a prevalence of approximately 1%. It affects mainly young males (aged between twenty and fifty years) without previous pathologies and represents 5% of all causes of chest pain in the emergency room. In developed countries, about 80-90% of cases are idiopathic, assuming that its main etiology is viral infection, although it can also be secondary to systemic diseases and infections.

Falciparum malaria mimicking acute myocardial infarction

“…Classic electrocardiographic changes in acute pericarditis include widespread concave upward ST-segment elevation and PR segment depression. [8] However, in some clinical scenarios, it is difficult to differentiate the two only on the basis of ECG especially in case of regional pericarditis. [9] There are three important points that has to be stressed upon that were missed in this case during the evaluation.…”

Çocuk ve Adölesanlarda Akut Miyoperikardiyal Sendromlara Tanısal ve Klinik Yaklaşım

“…Patients with acute myopericarditis present a sudden onset of chest pain, which is sharp in nature and usually in the precordial/retrosternal area (8,9). Pain is classically worsened with inspiration and is often positional, increased when supine, and relieved with sitting or leaning forward (10). Myopericarditis may involve the phrenic nerve which innervates the trapezius muscles, resulting in pain in the back and shoulders.…”

“…Myopericarditis may involve the phrenic nerve which innervates the trapezius muscles, resulting in pain in the back and shoulders. The pain may radiate to the neck, left shoulder, and jaw (10). Symptoms can be associated with cough, rhinorrhea, low-grade fever, and shortness of breath (8)(9)(10).…”

“…The pain may radiate to the neck, left shoulder, and jaw (10). Symptoms can be associated with cough, rhinorrhea, low-grade fever, and shortness of breath (8)(9)(10). The clinical manifestations of perimyocarditis can range from atypical chest pain with non-specific electrocardiographic abnormalities in the setting of normal left ventricular systolic function to subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and arrhythmia (7,8).…”

Electrocardiographic approach to classification of acute pericarditis in emergency department: Typical and atypical pericarditis

“…A cute pericarditis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the pericardium (1). Pericarditis is responsible for 0.1% of all hospital admissions and 5% of emergency department (ED) admissions for chest pain (2)(3)(4).…”