Acute Pericarditis Flashcards
Define acute pericarditis
Refers to inflammation of the pericardium
When will acute pericarditis turn into chronic
When inflammation > 3 months
Serous pericardium is a double layered membrane that surrounds the heart.
Which layer is the inner layer
Parietal pericardium – internal surface of the fibrous pericardium
Serous pericardium is a double layered membrane that surrounds the heart.
Which layer is the outer layer
Visceral pericardium – serous
Name the three main physiological functions of the pericardium
Mechanical
Acts as a barrier
Fixes the heart through its ligamentous function
Name potential causes of acute pericarditis
- Infective causes – viral infection (most common cause in developed countries)
- Malignancy e.g. lung, breast, Hodgkin’s
- Renal failure – uraemia
Name some of the clinical features of acute pericarditis
- Chest pain – sharp, pleuritic (worse on inspiration)
- Characteristically better on leaning forward and sitting up
- Low-grade fever
- Pericardial friction rub: scratchy or squeaking sound heard over the heart
- Features of cardiac tamponade
Name the features of the cardiac tamponade
Muffled heart sounds
Distended JVP
Pulsus paradoxus (fall in blood pressure > 10 mmHg during inspiration)
Hypotension
How is acute percarditis diagnosed
- Two of the following features
- Typical chest pain
- Pericardial friction rub
- Characteristic ECG features
- New or worsening pericardial effusion
What is the characteristic ECG findings of acute pericarditis
Widespread saddle-shaped ST elevation and PR depression
What is the mainstay of treatment for acute pericarditis
NSAIDs, aspirin or colchicine
What is the management of viral acute pericarditis
NSAIDS/Aspirin
AND/ OR
Colchicine
What is a potential side effect of colchicine
Diarrhoea
