Acute benign pericarditis

Abstract

A résumé of the condition known as acute benign pericarditis has been presented. Seasonal incidence, sporadic cases with histories of acute respiratory infections prior to the onset of chest pain, and the increasing number of reports of positive viral studies suggest a virus to be the cause in the greater percentage of cases. Stress phenomena and autoimmune reactions are also recognized as etiological possibilities. The importance of the early diagnosis of acute pericarditis lies partly in its confusion with myocardial infarction and the dangers of anticoagulant therapy. The complications of cardiac tamponade and cardiac arrhythmia demonstrate that, in some instances, acute benign pericarditis is far from benign. Therapy for the uncomplicated case is discussed. Corticoids, although dramatic, must be used cautiously.