Management of pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammatory syndrome involving pericardium, which is a double-walled sac consisting of two leaves, a serous visceral layer in contact with the myocardium (pericardium) and a parietal fibrous one, delimiting a cavity (pericardial cavity) containing pericardial fluid. Pericarditis...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ombretta Para, Eleonora Blasi, Martina Finocchi, Tiziana Ciarambino, Chiara Florenzi, Davide Carrara, Elisabetta Benetti, Mariella Frualdo, Antonio Brucato
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: PAGEPress Publications 2019-09-01
Series:Italian Journal of Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.italjmed.org/index.php/ijm/article/view/1153
Description
Summary:Pericarditis is an inflammatory syndrome involving pericardium, which is a double-walled sac consisting of two leaves, a serous visceral layer in contact with the myocardium (pericardium) and a parietal fibrous one, delimiting a cavity (pericardial cavity) containing pericardial fluid. Pericarditis may occur isolated or as a manifestation of a systemic disorder. Diagnosis and correct management of pericarditis can be difficult and its natural history is often characterized by a lot of relapses. Treatment of acute pericarditis should target the underlying etiology. The diagnosis is based on characteristic clinical findings, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. The goals of treatment are relief of pain, resolution of inflammation (and, if present, pericardial effusion), and prevention of recurrence. Despite a significant impairment of the quality of life, pericarditis usually has good long-term outcomes.
ISSN:1877-9344
1877-9352