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The onset of purulent pericarditis is usually acute, with most individuals presenting to a medical facility approximately 3 days following the onset of symptoms. [4] As a subtype of pericarditis, purulent pericarditis often presents with substernal chest pain that is exacerbated by deep breathing and lying in the supine position. [5]
For acute pericarditis to formally be diagnosed, two or more of the following criteria must be present: chest pain consistent with a diagnosis of acute pericarditis (sharp chest pain worsened by breathing in or a cough), a pericardial friction rub, a pericardial effusion, and changes on electrocardiogram (ECG) consistent with acute pericarditis ...
Acute pericarditis is more common than chronic pericarditis, and can occur as a complication of infections, immunologic conditions, or even as a result of a heart attack (myocardial infarction), as Dressler's syndrome. Chronic pericarditis however is less common, a form of which is constrictive pericarditis.
Constrictive pericarditis is a condition characterized by a thickened, fibrotic pericardium, limiting the heart's ability to function normally. [1] In many cases, the condition continues to be difficult to diagnose and therefore benefits from a good understanding of the underlying cause.
Pericardiectomy is the surgical removal of part or most of the pericardium. [1] [2] This operation is most commonly used to relieve constrictive pericarditis, or to remove a pericardium that is calcified and fibrous. [2]
Dressler syndrome is a secondary form of pericarditis that occurs in the setting of injury to the heart or the pericardium (the outer lining of the heart). It consists of fever, pleuritic pain, pericarditis and/or pericardial effusion.
Uremic pericarditis is associated with azotemia, and occurs in about 6-10% of kidney failure patients. BUN is normally >60 mg/dL (normal is 7–20 mg/dL). However, the degree of pericarditis does not correlate with the degree of serum BUN or creatinine elevation. The pathogenesis is poorly understood. [2]
Although no current drug on the market prevents post-pericardiotomy syndrome, colchicine seems to provide an effective and safe way to treat pericarditis by reducing inflammation. [6] Colchicine is a natural product extracted from plants, and is a secondary metabolite (an organic compound not directly related to growth and development in an ...