Acute Pericarditis Disease Summary

Overview

Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardial sac with or without pericardial effusion.
The patient experiences chest pain that is central, sharp, pleuritic, worse with inspiration or lying down and improves with sitting up and leaning forward.
Acute pericarditis is characterized by new-onset pericarditis with at least 2 of the following: Pericarditic or pleuritic chest pain, pericardial friction rubs,new or worsening pericardial effusion, and ECG finding of a new diffuse ST-segment elevation and/or PR depression.
Specific therapy tailored to the identified etiology, or the underlying disorder is indicated. 

For further information regarding the management of Acute Pericarditis, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.