Acute pericarditis is a condition referring to inflammation of the {{c1::pericardial sac}}

What are the infective causes of Acute pericarditis?

• viral infections (Coxsackie)
• tuberculosis

Acute pericarditis post MI early (1-3 days): {{c1::fibrinous pericarditis}} late (weeks to months): {{c2::autoimmune pericarditis Dresslers syndrome}}

Which connective tissue disease can cause Acute pericarditis?

• systemic lupus erythematosus
• rheumatoid arthritis

What malignancies can cause Acute pericarditis?

• lung cancer
• breast cancer

What are the features of Acute pericarditis?

• chest pain: may be pleuritic. Is often relieved by sitting forwards
• other symptoms include a non-productive cough, dyspnoea and flu-like symptoms
• pericardial rub

What ECG changes are seen in Acute pericarditis?

• the changes in pericarditis are often global/widespread, as opposed to the 'territories' seen in ischaemic events
• 'saddle-shaped' ST elevation
• PR depression: most specific ECG marker for pericarditis

all patients with suspected acute pericarditis should have {{c1::transthoracic echocardiography::?imaging}}

Why is troponin checked in Acute pericarditis?

around 30% of patients may have an elevated troponin - this indicates possible myopericarditis

the majority of patients with Acute pericarditis can be managed as {{c1::outpatients::IP/OP}}

Whats the treatment of Acute pericarditis?

• treat any underlying cause
• most patients however will have pericarditis secondary to viral infection, meaning no specific treatment is indicated
• a combination of NSAIDs and colchicine is now generally used for first-line for patients with acute idiopathic or viral pericarditis
• until symptom resolution and normalisation of inflammatory markers (usually 1-2 weeks) followed by tapering of dose recommended over