Pericarditis

Question 1

Give 5 causes of pericarditis

Answer 1

Viral
Bacterial
Neoplasia
Post-MI
Uraemia
Autoimmune i.e RA/CTD
TB
Trauma
Hypothyroidism
Radiotherapy

Question 2

Treatment for pericarditis?

Answer 2

NSAIDs i.e aspirin/Ibuprofen + colchicine –> for viral or idiopathic pericarditis

Treat the underlying cause (for other causes)

Question 3

ECG finding for pericarditis?

Answer 3

ST elevation (saddle-shaped)
PR depression

Question 4

What is the most sensitive ECG finding for pericarditis?

Answer 4

PR depression

Question 5

Give 5 SSx of pericarditis

Answer 5

Chest pain
Pericardial friction rub
Pericardial knock (loud S3 heart sound)
Tachypnoea
Tachycardia
Flu-like symptoms

Question 6

Most of pericarditis patients can be managed as outpatients, what are some reasons for patients to be managed as in-patients?

Answer 6

High troponin
Temp > 38 degrees

Question 7

How long should strenuous activity be avoided for in pericarditis?

Answer 7

strenuous physical activity should be avoided until symptom resolution and normalisation of inflammatory markers

Question 8

What is the JVP waveform like in pericaridits?

Answer 8

Prominent x descent, prominent y descent

Question 9

What is the JVP waveform like in cardiac tamponade?

Answer 9

Prominent x descent, reduced y descent

Question 10

Imaging for patients with Pericarditis?

Answer 10

CXR
Echo

Question 11

What is the treatment of Dressler’s syndrome?

Answer 11

Pericardiocentesis