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Pericarditis

An inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium) that presents with chest pain.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Pericarditis?

The pericardium is a thin, two-layered membrane that surrounds the heart. Pericarditis is inflammation of this membrane. Viral infections are the most common cause (idiopathic or viral pericarditis); it can also develop in autoimmune disease, uremia, cancer, or after cardiac surgery.

Acute pericarditis usually resolves within a few weeks. In about 30% of cases, recurrent pericarditis may develop. A rare but serious complication is cardiac tamponade, in which fluid accumulates around the heart.

Diagnosis is based on characteristic ECG changes, echocardiography, and inflammatory markers. Treatment relies on a combination of NSAIDs and colchicine.

Symptoms

Sharp, pleuritic chest pain (relieved by sitting forward, worse with deep breathing)
Fever and general malaise
Dry cough
Shortness of breath (prominent if tamponade develops)
Palpitations
Pericardial friction rub on auscultation (detected by the physician)
Shoulder pain that worsens with swallowing

Risk Factors

Recent viral infection
Autoimmune disease (SLE, rheumatoid arthritis)
Kidney failure and uremic pericarditis
Active tuberculosis
Post-cardiac-surgery period (Dressler syndrome)
History of chest radiotherapy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If chest pain is accompanied by fever
  • If pain worsens with breathing and improves when sitting up
  • Go to the emergency department for signs of tamponade (low blood pressure, distended neck veins, shortness of breath)
  • For persistent pericarditis lasting more than two weeks
  • For recurrent episodes of pericarditis

Treatment Methods

01
NSAIDs (ibuprofen or aspirin) — the cornerstone of therapy
02
Colchicine (in combination with NSAIDs to prevent recurrence)
03
Restriction of physical activity (avoid sports in the acute phase)
04
Corticosteroids (in resistant or autoimmune cases)
05
Pericardiocentesis (drainage) for pericardial effusion
06
IL-1 inhibitors (such as anakinra) for recurrent pericarditis

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.