Acute pericarditis

Acute pericarditis is a syndrome caused by acute inflammation of the visceral and parietal layers of the pericardium. Clinical features include chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and a series of abnormal electrocardiographic changes. There are many etiologies, which may originate from diseases of the pericardium itself or may be part of systemic diseases. Clinically, tuberculous, nonspecific, and neoplastic causes are the most common. Systemic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and uremia can easily involve the pericardium and cause pericarditis. Treatment includes etiological treatment of the primary disease, relief of cardiac tamponade, and symptomatic treatment. The natural course and prognosis depend on the etiology.