Pericarditis aguda

Abstract

EpidemiologyThis is the most common pericardial syndrome, and appears to be most frequent in young adults. Aetiology/aetiopathogenesisMost of the cases in our environment are viral or idiopathic, although it can be associated with systemic and neoplastic disease. The most common aetiology in developing countries is tuberculosis. Clinical manifestationsThe principal clinical manifestation is chest or precordial pain of mechanical characteristics. Low-grade fever can be associated. DiagnosisTwo of these 4 criteria need to be present to establish a diagnosis: pericardial chest pain, pericardial rub, new ST segment elevation or PR segment depression on ECG and pericardial effusion. PrognosisThe course of the condition is usually benign and symptoms disappear when treatment is started. However, complications can appear in some cases such as myopericarditis or cardiac tamponade, especially in cases that are not viral in aetiology. TreatmentNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the treatment of choice for acute idiopathic pericarditis, associated with colchicine to prevent recurrence. Other aetiologies require specific treatment of the cause.