Pericardial Disease - Acute Pericarditis Flashcards
1
Q
What is Acute Pericarditis?
A
Inflammation of the pericardium.
2
Q
What is perimyocarditis (or myo-pericarditis)?
A
Pericarditis with inflammation extending into the myocardium.
3
Q
Aetiology of Acute Pericarditis (7).
A
- Infections e.g. Cox-Sackie, TB.
- Uraemia - Renal Impairment : Fibrinous Pericarditis.
- Trauma.
- MI, Dressler’s.
- Connective Tissue Disease.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Malignancy.
4
Q
Clinical Presentation of Acute Pericarditis (5).
A
- Pleuritic Chest Pain Relieved by Sitting Forwards.
- Non-Productive Cough.
- Dyspnoea.
- Pericardial Rub.
- Tachypnoea and Tachycardia.
5
Q
Investigations in Acute Pericarditis (2).
A
- ECG.
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (in all suspected cases).
6
Q
What ECG changes can be seen in Acute Pericarditis? (3).
A
- Global/Widespread (not Territorial like MI).
- Saddle Shaped ST Elevation.
- PR Depression : Specific for Pericarditis.
7
Q
What result is similar to ACS?
A
Troponin Rise.
8
Q
How can ECG changes evolve over time? (3)
A
- 1-3 Weeks : Normalising of ST Changes and T Wave Flattening.
- 3-8 Weeks : Flattened T Waves become inverted.
- 8+ Weeks : ECG returns to normal.
9
Q
Management of Acute Pericarditis (3).
A
- Treatment of Underlying Cause.
- Combination of NSAIDs and Colchicine 1st Line - Acute Idiopathic or Viral.
- Corticosteroids - 2nd Line : Non-Viral, Non-Infective.
10
Q
When should caution be exercised with Colchicine use?
A
Renal or Hepatic Impairment.