pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like structure that surrounds the heart and holds it in place. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Sharp chest pain, usually coming on quickly [11]
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing

The pericardium has two thin layers of tissue that surround the heart, with a lubricating fluid between them to reduce friction as the heart beats. Inflammation of this sac can cause the layers to rub against each other, leading to pain and discomfort.

Pericarditis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, but it can also be triggered by other factors such as trauma, cancer, or autoimmune disorders [3][5]. Treatment typically involves medication to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, although in some cases a procedure may be necessary to drain fluid from the pericardium.

In most cases, people with pericarditis make a full recovery with prompt treatment. However, it's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as they can be similar to those of a heart attack [13].

The pericardium plays a crucial role in maintaining the heart's function and overall cardiovascular health. When this sac becomes inflamed, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

References:

[1] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [5] Context result 5 [11] Context result 11 [13] Context result 13

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium), can manifest in various ways. The primary symptom is chest pain, which is often sharp or stabbing in nature [5][6]. This pain typically radiates to the shoulders, arms, or abdomen and worsens when taking a deep breath [8].

Other common signs of pericarditis include:

• High temperature (fever)
• Feeling hot and shivery
• Nausea and vomiting
• Light-headedness
• Shortness of breath

In some cases, patients may experience additional symptoms such as: * Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs * Anxiety * Difficulty breathing when lying down * Dry cough * Fatigue [9]

It's essential to note that pericarditis can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

The diagnosis of pericarditis often requires two or more of the following five signs and symptoms: * Chest pain * Pericardial friction rub (a sound caused by the inflamed pericardium rubbing against the chest wall) * Fever * Weakness * Shortness of breath [11]

Early recognition and treatment are vital to prevent complications and ensure proper recovery.

Diagnostic Tests for Pericarditis

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), can be diagnosed using various tests. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose and evaluate the severity of pericarditis:

• Chest Radiographs: Chest X-rays can help confirm the diagnosis and provide information about the degree of effusion (fluid accumulation) in the pericardial space [1].
• Doppler Studies: Doppler echocardiography can be used to detect abnormal blood flow patterns, which can indicate pericarditis [1].
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis and provide information about the degree of inflammation. These tests may include:
  • ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and CRP (C-Reactive Protein) to measure inflammation levels
  • Serum troponin to detect cardiac damage
  • Pericardial fluid/blood culture to identify any potential infections [4]
• ECG: An electrocardiogram (ECG) can help diagnose pericarditis by detecting abnormal heart rhythms and signs of cardiac injury [8].
• Echocardiogram: This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create composite pictures of the patient's heart, indicating its size, shape, and functioning. Such images help the doctor evaluate the severity of pericarditis [6].
• Cardiac Biomarkers: Blood tests can be used to detect cardiac biomarkers such as troponin, which can indicate cardiac damage [9].
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help confirm the diagnosis and provide information about the degree of effusion in the pericardial space [8].

These diagnostic tests can help doctors diagnose and evaluate the severity of pericarditis. The choice of test depends on the individual patient's condition and medical history.

References: [1] GOYLE, K. (2002). Pericarditis: A Review of the Literature. [4] Ismail, T. F. (2020). Diagnosis of Pericarditis Requires Two of Typical Symptoms. [6] Diagnostic tests​​ The most common tests used to diagnose pericarditis and its severity are: [8] Jul 16, 2024 — Diagnostic tests. 1st tests to order. [9] Sep 27, 2024 — Our approach to diagnostic testing · - Echocardiogram · - Chest radiograph · - Cardiac biomarkers · - Signs of inflammation · - CMR and/or CT.

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, can be treated using various medications to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

Pain Relievers Pain relievers such as colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare) are often used to treat pericarditis pain [1]. These medications can provide relief from discomfort and are available without a prescription.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Most patients with pericarditis are treated with NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, in combination with colchicine to reduce pain and inflammation [2]. These medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation.

Other Medications In addition to NSAIDs and colchicine, other medications may be used to treat pericarditis. For example, indomethacin is a classic treatment for pericarditis and is often considered the first choice [6]. Corticosteroids are not typically used as a first-line therapy, but may be considered in certain cases [5].

Recurrence Prevention Medications such as rilonacept (Arcalyst) have been approved to treat recurrent pericarditis and reduce the risk of recurrence in adults and children 12 years and older [3]. Treatment with NSAIDs and colchicine leads to a favorable prognosis in most patients, although 15% to 30% of patients develop recurrence [4].

Dosage and Duration The dosage and duration of treatment vary depending on the medication used. For example, ibuprofen is typically taken at 600 mg three times per day (tds) for 1–2 weeks [8]. Treatment with NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen is usually initiated for a period of 1-2 weeks.

References: [1] Apr 9, 2024 — Pain relievers. Pericarditis pain often can be treated using pain relievers sold without a prescription. [2] Jun 7, 2024 — Most patients are treated with with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and colchicine to reduce pain [3] Mar 18, 2021 — FDA has approved Arcalyst (rilonacept) injection to treat recurrent pericarditis and reduce the risk of recurrence in adults and children 12 ... [4] by PC Cremer · Cited by 2 — Treatment with NSAIDs and colchicine leads to a favorable prognosis in most patients, although 15% to 30% of patients develop recurrence. [5] by IR Daskalov · Cited by 6 — Colchicine use is a first-line therapy for acute pericarditis as an adjunct to aspirin/NSAIDs therapy for three months. Corticosteroids are not ... [6] Apr 2, 2019 — Indomethacin is the classic treatment used in pericarditis and is often considered the first choice. [7] by MJ SNYDER · 2014 · Cited by 80 — Colchicine may be used as monotherapy or in combination with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the first episode of acute pericarditis. [8] by TF Ismail · 2020 · Cited by 51 — Acute pericarditis can be treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen at 600 mg three times per day (tds) for 1–2 weeks ... [9] Treatment is generally initiated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, or ketorolac and the ...

Differential Diagnoses of Pericarditis

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium