Characteristics, Complications, and Treatment of Acute Pericarditis.

Acute pericarditis occurs most frequently after a viral attack. Other causes are autoimmune conditions, infection, chest trauma, cardiac surgery, or cardiac procedure. The presenting symptom is retrosternal chest pain. A pericardial rub is characteristic. Diffuse upward sloping ST segments are found with electrocardiogram. Pericardial effusions may be demonstrated with an echocardiogram. High-dose nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications are the primary treatment. Adding colchicine reduces recurrence. It responds well to pharmacologic therapy within 1 to 2 weeks. Monitoring for complications is essential. The most serious complication is cardiac tamponade. For this, prompt diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving.