Pericarditis

Publication date: April 2015 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics, Volume 4, Issue 2 Author(s): Florian Foerg , Zechariah GardnerTeaser Pericarditis is acute or chronic inflammation of the pericardium. Pericarditis is a common cause of chest pain and its recognition has important clinical implications. Viral pathogens are thought to be the leading cause of pericarditis. Complications of acute pericarditis include cardiac tamponade, recurrent or chronic pericarditis, and constrictive or constrictive-effusive pericarditis. Subspecialty consultation should be considered when the diagnosis remains uncertain following initial evaluation or based on a failure to respond to treatment. Surgery may be required for recurrent symptomatic effusions or recurrent pericardial tamponade. The causes, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of pericarditis are discussed.
Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research