Myocarditis and Pericarditis

Question 1

Myocarditis:

• definition
• what can it lead to?

Answer 1

Acute/chronic inflammation of the myocardium due to infiltration of inflammatory cells into the myocardium
-can lead to HF and Heart Block

Question 2

Pericarditis:

• definition
• common causes

Answer 2

inflammation of the layers of the pericardium

-Bacteria, post MI, aortic dissection, perforation

Question 3

Pericarditis:

• ECG
• Treatment

Answer 3

• low PR depression
• ST changes
• if bacteria- drain and treat with antimicrobials
• if idiopathic- NSAIDS
• If large effusion- drain

Question 4

Symptoms of myocarditis

Answer 4

• hf
• SOB
• Fatigue

Question 5

Symptoms of pericarditis

Answer 5

If associated with pericardial effusion: elevated JVP and muffled HS
If fever and no effusions- bacterial 
-Fever
-Low BP
-Pleuritic chest pain

Question 6

Pericardial effusion:

• causes
• symptoms
• treatment

Answer 6

same as pericarditis 
symptoms:
-SOB
-fatigue 
-Low Bp
-elevated JVP 
treatment:
-drainage 
-if chronic- window for flow of fluid to the abdomen

Question 7

Constrictive pericarditis:

• causes
• signs
• symptoms
• investigation

Answer 7

Causes:
-idiopathic
-radiation
-surgery
-renal failure 
symptoms:
-SOB
-fatigue 
Signs:
-increased JVP
-JAUNDICE
-HEPATOMEGALY 
-af 
investigations:
-ECHO
-right heart cauterisation

Question 8

What is constrictive pericarditis

Answer 8

chronic pericarditis

loss of elasticity leads to hardening of the pericardium

Question 9

what is pericardial effusion

Answer 9

the build up of fluid in the pericardial cavity.

Increases intrapericardial pressure