Pericarditis

Question 1

Symptoms of pericarditis

Answer 1

Sharp central chest pain which is worse on inspiration or lying flat, that is relieved when sitting forward

Fever

Pericardial rub

Question 2

Causes of pericarditis

Answer 2

MI
Viruses (HIV, cox Sackie B), bacteria (TB, RF, pneumonia, Lyme, Staph, Strep)
Autoimmune e.g. SLE
Drugs: chemo
Metabolic: uraemia, hypothyroid, anorexia

Question 3

ECG findings of pericarditis

Answer 3

Saddle-shaped ST segment elevation in most leads + PR depression

Question 4

Management of pericarditis

Answer 4

1. Bed rest
2. NSAIDs/aspirin.
   Colchicine for 3 months
3. Steroids if it still does not subside
4. Persistent:
   Pericardial window can be made to drain fluid
   Pericardectomy

Question 5

What is pericarditis?

Answer 5

Inflammation of the visceral and parietal layers of the pericardium