Pericardial Disease

Question 1

Acute pericarditis: signs and sx

Answer 1

• sudden onset of severe chest pain that varies with position and breathing.
• Can hear a “rub” on auscultation.

Question 2

Acute pericarditis: dx

Answer 2

• fluid on ECHO

- nonreciprocal ST segment elevation (not local)

Question 3

Acute pericarditis: tx

Answer 3

NSAIDs

Question 4

Cardiac tamponade: signs and sx

Answer 4

• hypotension with distended neck veins

- increased venous pressure

Question 5

Cardiac tamponade: dx

Answer 5

• xray (enlarged heart, but without congested lungs)

- ECHO (fluid around the heart)

Question 6

Cardiac tamponade: tx

Answer 6

IV fluids and pericardiocentesis (NOT diuretics)

Question 7

Constrictive pericarditis: signs and sx

Answer 7

elevated jugular venous pressure, hepatomegaly, edema, ascites, tachycardia

Question 8

Constrictive pericarditis: dx

Answer 8

ECHO, Xray (thickened or calcified pericardium)

Question 9

Constrictive pericarditis: tx

Answer 9

surgical stripping of the pericardium