Pericarditis

Question 1

Pericarditis Causes

Answer 1

Viruses (coxsackie), bacteria (TB), fungi/parasitic (rare), autoimmune (Dressler’s), drugs, other

Question 2

Pericarditis Presentation

Answer 2

• Chest pain worse on inspiration, or lying flat, relief by leaning forward
• Pericardial friction rub may be heard

Question 3

Pericarditis ECG

Answer 3

• Saddle shaped ST elevation, PR depression, may be normal or non specific
• Bloods
• CXR
• Echo

Question 4

Pericarditis Management

Answer 4

-NSAIDs/aspirin with gastric cover for 1-2 weeks, add colchicine for 3 months to reduce risk of recurrence, rest, treat cause

Question 5

Beck’s Triad?

Answer 5

For cardiac tamponade

• Hypotension
• Reduced heart sounds
• Raised JVP