Pericarditis

Question 1

Aetiology of acute pericarditis

Answer 1

Viral infections, TB, uraemia, post MI, radiotherapy, connective tissue disease, hypothyroidism, malignancy, trauma

Question 2

Symptoms of pericarditis

Answer 2

Pleuritic chest pain, relieved by sitting forwards.
Non-productive cough, dyspnoea, flu-like symptoms, pericardial rub

Question 3

ECG changes in pericarditis

Answer 3

Saddle shaped ST elevation, PR depression

Question 4

Troponin changes in pericarditis

Answer 4

30% patients may have elevated troponin

Question 5

Investigations for patients suspected of pericarditis

Answer 5

ECG, transthoracic echo, bloods for inflammatory markers and troponin

Question 6

Management of pericarditis

Answer 6

Treat underlying cause
Strenuous activity avoided
Combination of NSAID and Colchicine first line is used with acute idiopathic or viral causes. Usually for 1-2 weeks

Question 7

Which patients are high risk and should be managed as an in patient

Answer 7

Those with a fever of >38 degrees, or raised toponin