Cardiac Muscle & Structural Disorders Flashcards
Cardiomyopathy (Dilated, Hypertrophic, Restrictive) Myocarditis Pericarditis Pericardial Disease Structural Heart Defects (9 cards)
1
Q
What is acute pericarditis?
A
Inflammation of the pericardium lasting less than 4–6 weeks.
2
Q
What are the common causes of acute pericarditis?
A
- Infection: Coxsackievirus, TB
- Uraemia
- Post-myocardial infarction (early: fibrinous, late: Dressler’s syndrome)
- Radiotherapy
- Connective tissue diseases (e.g. SLE, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Malignancy (lung, breast)
- Trauma
3
Q
How mayy pericarditis present?
A
- Pleuritic, sharp, central chest pain
- Non-productive cough
- Dyspnoea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Pericardial rub
4
Q
What worsens and relieves the chest pain in pericarditis
A
- worse on lying down
- relieved by sitting forward
5
Q
What investigations should be performed in suspected acute pericarditis?
A
- ECG
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
- Bloods: CRP/ESR, troponin
6
Q
What are typical ECG findings in acute pericarditis?
A
- Widespread ‘saddle-shaped’ ST elevation
- PR depression (most specific sign)
7
Q
Which patients with acute pericarditis should be admitted to hospital?
A
- Fever > 38°C
- Elevated troponin
8
Q
What is the first-line treatment for most patients with acute pericarditis
A
NSAIDs + colchicine
9
Q
How long should treatment for acute pericarditis typically continue?
A
Until symptoms and inflammatory markers resolve (1–2 weeks), then taper over 2–4 additional weeks
