Acute Pericarditis
Causes
viral infections (Coxsackie)
tuberculosis
uraemia (causes 'fibrinous' pericarditis)
trauma
post-myocardial infarction, Dressler's syndrome
connective tissue disease
hypothyroidism
Presentation
chest pain: may be pleuritic. Is often relieved by sitting forwards
other symptoms include non-productive cough, dyspnoea and flu-like symptoms
Vital signs
tachypnoea
tachycardia
Examination
pericardial rub
Bedside tests
ECG changes
widespread 'saddle-shaped' ST elevation
PR depression: most specific ECG marker for pericarditis
page revision: 1, last edited: 06 Apr 2017 21:48