How is pericarditis diagnosed?

To diagnose pericarditis, a health care provider will usually examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. A stethoscope is typically placed on the chest and back to listen to heart sounds. Pericarditis causes a specific sound, called a pericardial rub.

What is the best diagnostic test for pericarditis?

DOPPLER STUDIES. The diagnostic test of choice for large effusions, cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis is two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography.

How can you tell the difference between pericarditis and MI?

Another feature that may aid in differentiating acute pericarditis from acute myocardial infarction is the absence of Q waves and the absence of T-wave inversion at the time of ST-segment elevation, both of which classically occur with acute myocardial infarction.

What is Peri infarction pericarditis?

Peri-infarction pericarditis commonly occurs within the first 3-4 days of the MI and is a result of direct extension of inflammation to the pericardium in the region of the MI from damaged myocardial tissue.

Is it hard to diagnose pericarditis?

The diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is difficult both for its rarity and because it is often obscured by other, more common, diagnoses.

Does ECG show pericarditis?

The diagnosis of pericarditis is made by history and physical examination. Testing usually includes an electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG), chest X-ray, and echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart. The inflammation of pericarditis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen).

Does pericarditis always show on ECG?

Typical ECG evolution in acute pericarditis has been shown in up to 60% of patients in a clinical series,16 and stage 1 changes have been observed in 80% of patients with pericarditis. However, clinicians must distinguish between ECG changes in acute pericarditis and those in myocardial infarction.

Can ECG show pericarditis?

How is Peri infarction pericarditis treated?

Aspirin is first line for anti-inflammatory therapy of post-myocardial infarction (MI) pericarditis, as well as for individuals receiving antiplatelet therapy (class I, level C evidence). Consider adding colchicine to aspirin/NSAIDs to treat PCIS, as for treating acute pericarditis (class IIa, level B evidence).

Can a blood test detect pericarditis?

This is used to confirm a diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. Blood tests can be used to make sure you are not having a heart attack, to see how well your heart is working, test the fluid in the pericardium and help find the cause of pericarditis.

Can ECG be normal in pericarditis?

In pericarditis, there are hallmark changes that are seen and can help make the diagnosis. While an abnormal EKG is helpful in making the diagnosis, in the early stages of inflammation, the EKG may be normal. In most cases of uncomplicated pericarditis, a chest X-ray is usually normal.