Pericardial Disease Flashcards
What are the three main pericardial diseases?
1) Pericarditis
2) Tamponade
3) Constrictive pericarditis
What is the pericardium?
Fibroelastic sac which surrounds the heart with two serosal layers separated by a pericardial cavity, and a fibrous layer
What does the serosal layers of pericardium attach to?
Visceral attached to epicardium
Parietal attached to fibrous pericardium
T or F: pericardial pressure is less than RA
T
Whats the function of pericardium?
Restraining effect on the heart:
Prevents acute dilatation
Diastolic coupling of the ventricles
May prevent spread of infection
What are some causes of acute pericarditis?
Infections
Viral, bacterial, tuberculosis
Vasculitis/collagen vascular disease (auto-immune problems)
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus
Inflammatory response to injury of contiguous structures
Myocardial infarction, post-cardiac surgery
Renal failure
Trauma
What is the clinical presentation of pericarditis?
- Sharp retrosternal chest pain aggravated by inspiration and lying down
- Radiates to shoulders
- Patient feels best sitting up, leaning forward
- Dyspnea—unable to take a deep breath in
What might be some physical exam findings of pericarditis?
Low grade fever
Sinus tachycardia
Pericardial friction rub –biphasic/triphasic
Normal JVP
What ECG features are in pericarditis?
Diffuse ST elevation and PR depression (associated epicarditis)
Cardiac biomarkers (troponin) may be elevated if associated myocarditis
T or F: pericardial effusion is necessary for diagnosis of pericarditis?
Pericardial effusion may be present—but not necessary for diagnosis of pericarditis
How many features need to be present and what are they for pericarditis?
Pleuritic chest pain
Pericardial friction rub
Diffuse ST elevation on ECG
Pericardial effusion on echocardiogram
Whats the management for pericarditis?
Usually Self-limited
No strenuous physical activity until symptoms resolve
No competitive sports for at least 3 months following symptom resolution
ASA 650-1000 mg TID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (e.g. ibuprofen 600-800 mg TID), often tapered off over 2-4 weeks
Colchicine (anti-gout drug) 0.6 mg BID for 3 months to decrease risk of recurrence
T or F: cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency
T
What is cardiac tamponade?
Build up of pericardial fluid
Fluid puts pressure on heart, restricting filling
Leading to a drop in cardiac output
What are some causes of CT?
Malignancy 30-60% Uremia 10-15% Idiopathic 5-15% Infectious 5-15% Anticoagulation 5-10%
What is the hemodynamics of tamponade?
Exponential increase pericardial pressure –> dramatic decrease in cardiac filling –> decrease in BP –> increase in heart rate
What happens to diastolic pressures in pericardial tamponade?
ALL DIASTOLIC PRESSURES EQUALIZE
LAP / RAP / LVP / RVP –> pericardial pressure (15-20 mm Hg)
What is noticed on the pressure tracings of the heart in tamponade?
LAP, and LVP are increased (shifted upwards)
why???
Accumulation of pericardial fluid impairs relaxation and filling of the ventricles, requiring a higher filling pressure.