Pericarditis

Question 1

What are the main causes of pericarditis?

Answer 1

Infection (viral, bacterial, fungal or TB)
Immune-mediated (e.g., rheumatic fever)
Idiopathic
Uraemic (due to renal failure)
Connective tissue disorder (e.g. SLE)

Question 2

What is Dressler’s syndrome?

Answer 2

A form of pericarditis experienced 4-6 weeks post MI.

It is believed to be immune-mediated.

Question 3

How does pericarditis present on an ECG?

Answer 3

Saddle-shaped ST elevation
PR interval depression

Question 4

How does pericarditis present?

Answer 4

Pleuritic chest pain which is worse on inspiration, but relieved when sitting upright.

May also have low-grade fever and pericardial friction rub.

Question 5

How is pericarditis treated?

Answer 5

Supportive only - can give NSAIDs.

Important to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Question 6

What are potential complications of pericarditis?

Answer 6

Pericardial effusion
Tamponade
Constrictive pericarditis
Cardiac failure
Death