Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, acute (idiopathic/viral, pleuritic chest pain, friction rub, diffuse ST elevation) or chronic/constrictive. Treatment: acute - NSAIDs plus colchicine; treat underlying cause (infection/uremia/MI/radiation/tumor); monitor for effusion/tamponade; constrictive - diuretics and pericardiectomy; avoid anticoagulants.

Common Symptoms

Pleuritic chest pain (worse supine); pericardial rub; diffuse ST elevation; by acute/constrictive

Causes and Pathogenesis

Mostly idiopathic/viral inflammation; other causes include uremia/MI/radiation/tumor/infection.

Treatment

NSAIDs + colchicine; treat cause; monitor effusion/tamponade; pericardiectomy for constriction

Preventive Measures

Colchicine reduces recurrence; treat cause.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.