Cardiology

Question 1

What is pericarditis and what are the main features of pericarditis

Answer 1

Low grade fever and sharp chest pain that is better when sat forward

Question 2

What is pericarditis and what are the main features of it.

Answer 2

Low grade fever and sharp chest pain that is better when sat forward

Question 3

What are the common causes of pericarditis

Answer 3

Idiopathic and infection: TB rheumatoid arthritis
Virus
Autoimmune rush as RA, lupus
Injury
Medications such as methotrexate

Question 4

What happens to the cardiac output in pericarditis

Answer 4

So in diastole the volume of blood will be low due to the smaller volume in the heart and larger volume taken by the pericarditis. If the effusion is large enough to raise the intra pericardial pressure often due to a tamponade then the hearts ability to pump blood will also be minimised.

Question 5

What are the ecg and auscultation findings for pericarditis

Answer 5

ECG: convave st
PR depression
Pericardial rub

Question 6

What are the first line management for pericarditis

Answer 6

NSAIDs: aspirin and ibuprofen
Colchicine to reduce recurrence

Question 7

What is the second line treatment for pericarditis

Answer 7

Steroids: RA
Underlying cause such as TB should be treated
Pericardioctenesis is a draining to remove the fluid