Acute Pericarditis

Question 1

Name 4 causes of Pericarditis?

Answer 1

1. Uraemia
2. Dressler’s syndrome
3. Rheumatic fever
4. Pneumonia

Question 2

4 features of chest pain in Pericarditis?

Answer 2

1. Sharp pain
2. Pleuritic pain
3. Worse lying flat
4. Relieved sitting forwards

Question 3

Name 4 signs of pericarditis?

Answer 3

1. Pericardial rub
2. Tachypnea
3. Tachycardia
4. Fever

Question 4

3 major investigations for Pericarditis?

Answer 4

1. FBC - ESR/Troponin/cultures + virology
2. Transthoracic echo - all patients must have with suspected pericarditis
3. ECG

Question 5

2 key features of ECG with Pericarditis?

Answer 5

1. Saddle shaped ST elevation

2. PR depression

Question 6

Mx of Pericarditis

Answer 6

1. NSAIDS and Cochinine ( anti inflammatory)

2. Tx underlying infection with Abx etc