Pericarditis Flashcards
What is pericarditis?
Inflammation of the pericardium
Pericarditis can be classified as acute and is often associated with viral infections.
What are the diagnostic criteria for pericarditis?
Presence of 2 or more of the following:
* Typical chest pain
* Pericardial rub
* Compatible ECG
* Pericardial effusion
These criteria help distinguish pericarditis from other conditions.
What percentage of pericarditis cases are considered idiopathic?
Around 80%
Idiopathic cases are often secondary to viral infections, particularly Coxsackie A and B viruses.
List some notable causes of pericarditis.
- Tuberculosis
- Chronic renal failure
- Neoplasms (especially lung and breast)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
These causes can lead to secondary pericarditis.
What is the main differential diagnosis for pericarditis?
Myocardial infarction
Distinguishing between pericarditis and myocardial infarction is crucial for appropriate treatment.
What characterizes the pain associated with acute pericarditis?
Pleuritic, sharp chest pain that decreases when leaning forward
This pain is often exacerbated by deep breathing.
What ECG changes are characteristic of pericarditis?
Diffuse ST elevation and PR interval depression
The ST elevation is typically concave and can evolve over time.
What findings may be observed on chest X-ray in pericarditis?
Cardiomegaly in case of extensive pericardial effusion
Chest X-ray can help assess the size of the heart and potential fluid accumulation.
What is the significance of negative cardiac markers in pericarditis?
Indicates that there is no significant myocardial damage
Normal markers help differentiate pericarditis from myocardial infarction.
What is myopericarditis?
Pericarditis accompanied by elevated myocardial damage markers
This condition overlaps with myocarditis and requires careful monitoring.
What is the first-line treatment for acute pericarditis?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine
This combination helps reduce inflammation and recurrence rates.
True or False: ECG is the most useful diagnostic test for pericarditis.
True
The ECG findings are critical in confirming the diagnosis.
Fill in the blank: The typical duration of pain in acute pericarditis is ______.
Hours
Pain duration can vary, but it is usually not prolonged.
What is a common physical examination finding in pericarditis?
Pericardial rub heard best at the left sternal border
This finding may not be present in all patients.
What does the evolution of ECG findings in pericarditis indicate?
Characteristic changes over time, including ST elevation and negative T waves
These changes can persist for weeks or months.
