Pericardial Disease Flashcards
What are the 3 functions of the pericardium?
- Fixes heart within the mediastinum, limiting its motion
- Prevents extreme dilatation of the heart during sudden rises of cardiac volume
- Barrier to spread of infection from adjacent structures
3 causes of infectious acute pericarditis.
- Viral (most common)
- TB
- pyogenic bacteria
2 connective tissue conditions that can cause non-infectious acute pericarditis.
- SLE
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
What causes both early and late pericarditis secondary to MI?
Early: inflammatory response to necrotic heart tissue
Late: autoimmune reaction to necrotic tissue
Name the 7 drugs that can lead to acute pericarditis.
Lupus-like side effects
- Procainamide (class 1A AA)
- Hydralalzine (direct vasodilator)
- Methyldopa (alpha-2 agonist)
- Isoniazide (TB antibiotic)
- Phenytoin (class 1B AA)
Misc.
- Minoxidil (direct vasodilator)
- Anthracycline (chemotherapy)
Auscultatory hallmark of acute pericarditis.
Pericardial Friction Rub
-best heard on left sternal border when HR is less than 120
How does acute pericarditis present in EKG?
At least one lead containing both ST elevation and PR depression
Best treatment for acute viral pericarditis.
Rest
NSAIDs
(oral steroids or colchicine if NSAIDs don’t work)
Best treatment for acute TB pericarditis
TB therapy
Tx for purulent pericarditis.
Drainage and antibiotics
Tx for uremic pericarditis
Dialysis
Tx for pericarditis post MI.
ASA, avoid other NSAIDs and steroids
Most useful test to diagnose pericardial effusion.
Echo
A variety of symptoms can present with pericardial effusion. What is the reason for variety?
Rate of effusion determines the symptoms. Slow rates can be asymptomatic, fast rates can cause dyspnea, fatigue, or chest discomfort.
(volume and compliance can also affect symptoms)
What is the Ewart Sign?
Maybe the only physical exam sign for pericardial effusion.
Dullness to percussion over the angle of the left scapula due to compression of the left lung by the enlarged pericardial sac