Perciarditis Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is acute pericarditis?
Inflammation of the pericardial sac lasting for less than 4-6 weeks
Acute pericarditis can have various aetiologies and presents with specific symptoms.
What are common viral infections that can cause acute pericarditis?
Coxsackie virus
Viral infections are among the etiological factors for acute pericarditis.
Name two other aetiologies of acute pericarditis besides viral infections.
- Tuberculosis
- Uraemia
Other causes include post-myocardial infarction, autoimmune conditions, and malignancies.
What is Dressler’s syndrome?
Autoimmune pericarditis that occurs weeks to months after myocardial infarction
It is a late complication following myocardial injury.
What are the typical features of acute pericarditis?
- Chest pain (may be pleuritic)
- Non-productive cough
- Dyspnoea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Pericardial rub
Chest pain is often relieved by sitting forwards.
What ECG changes are characteristic of pericarditis?
- Global/widespread changes
- Saddle-shaped ST elevation
- PR depression (most specific marker)
These changes are distinct from ischaemic events which show ‘territorial’ changes.
What is the first line treatment for acute pericarditis?
NSAIDs and colchicine
Colchicine inhibits beta tubulin polymerisation and acts as an anti-mitosis drug.
What should patients with acute pericarditis avoid until symptom resolution?
Strenuous physical activity
This includes athletes, who should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 3 months.
What indicates possible myopericarditis in patients with acute pericarditis?
Elevated troponin levels in around 30% of patients
Elevated troponin suggests myocardial involvement.
What are high-risk features in acute pericarditis that necessitate inpatient management?
- Fever > 38°C
- Elevated troponin
Patients with these features are at higher risk for complications.
Fill in the blank: The pericardial rub is a feature of _______.
acute pericarditis
This sign is often detected during physical examination.
What is the imaging in suspected acute pericarditis?
Transoesophageal echo in All patients with suspected acute pericarditis should undergo this investigation
It helps in assessing the pericardial effusion and other complications.
True or False: Strenuous physical activity is encouraged during the acute phase of pericarditis.
False
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities until symptoms and inflammatory markers normalize.
