Pericarditis Flashcards
1
Q
What is pericarditis?
A
It is inflammation of the pericardium.
2
Q
Presentation of pericarditis
A
- Chest pain - may be pleuritic
- Pain worse on lying flat, relieved by leaning forward
- Non productive cough
- Dyspnoea
- Tachypnoea
- Tachycardia
- Pericardial rub on auscultation
3
Q
Causes of pericarditis
A
Viral infections e.g. Coxsackie
Post-MI (Dressler’s syndrome)
Autoimmune conditions e.g. SLE, RA
Connective tissue diseases
4
Q
Management of pericarditis
A
Treat the underlying cause
Combination of NSAIDs and colchicine is first line for acute idiopathic or viral pericarditis
5
Q
Investigations in pericarditis
A
Bloods - FBC, U&Es, LFTs, CRP, Troponin
ECG changes - widespread ST changes
- Widespread saddle shaped ST changes
- PR depression
Transthoracic echo
CXR - to exclude lung pathology, normal cardiothoracic ratio
