Before we start with the symptom of pericarditis , one should know what pericarditis is clinically .
Pericarditis refer to the inflammation of the pericardium . Pericardium refers to a double - layered sac which constitute of a visceral pericardium separated by a modest amount of fluid from the fibrous parietal pericardium . The pericardium also has two part .
Prevents Sudden Dilation - By wield restraining power it stops sudden dilation of cardiac chambers .
Provides security : It curb anatomical berth of heart & stops the spread of contagion from lung to pericardium . Thus , it provide protection against exogenous infection .
What are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?
Pericarditis has few major symptomatic features . infliction in the chest of drawers is most commonly observed in penetrative infective pericarditis . nuisance in the chest region can even happen in many other forms which are colligate with hypersensitivity / autoimmunity . bother is often spartan , retrosternal & left precordial & referred to the neck , arms / left shoulder . Pain sometimes radiates to either arm / both the branch & resembles myocardial infarct , thus it should be differentiate frommyocardial infarction .
Pain may be still by sitting up & twist forward & is intensified by lie in unresisting position , thus posture play an important role in diagnosis .
How to Differentiate it From Myocardial Infarction?
specialization becomes difficult when pericarditis involves visceral pericardium in the rabble-rousing mental process ensue in myocyte gangrene thus markers of myocardial infarct such as troponin & creatinine kinase also rises . However , these top are quite minor associated with ST elevation in pericarditis . This helps in specialise the two experimental condition .
Pericardial Friction Rub - This rubbing rub is audible in almost 85 % of the patients take in 3 components per cardiac cycle . It is in high spirits pitched & described as a scratching , rasp / grate audio . Most hear at end expiration & leaning forward precondition .
ECG Findings - It involves four stages-
Pericardial Effusion- It is important when it develops within a short period of meter because it may precede to cardiac tamponage . inwardness sound are fainter in effusion . At times due to excessive fluid , the alkali of the left lung may be compress by pericardiac fluid produce Ewart ’s sign , a spot of dullness & increase fremitus beneath the slant of the left shoulder blade .
The chest roentgenogram may show enlargement of a cardiac silhouette with a water bottle shape .
How will you Diagnose Pericarditis?
Echocardiographyis the most widely used imaging proficiency . It is sensitive , specific , & non - invasive . The presence of fluid is recorded by two - dimensional transthoracic echocardiography .
In the condition where there is unreasonable fluid in pericardium heart may seem swinging freely in the pericardial sac .
CT scan&MRIare even do if one want to know specific location .
Treatment of Pericarditis
discussion include :
Pericarditis is of several type which include-
Points to Remember about Pericarditis
Pericarditis is the fervour of the pericardium , twofold theca tissue layer surrounding the heart & provides it with morphological support .
symptom include chest pain which is severe & sudden in onset associate with referredpain in shoulder & cervix .
ECG determination will distinguish it from myocardial infarct .
Diagnosis is made by echocardiography & this is the investigation of choice .
Treatment consists of the use of anti - incendiary drugs , colchicine , NSAIDs , & corticosteroid . The last haunt is pericardial stripping .
