Description
Inflammation of the pericardial sac, an occasional complication of a heart attack or heart surgery. The pericardial sac surrounds the heart. The inflammation is thought to be secondary to an abnormal immune response, and usually develops several weeks or months after heart tissue injury.
Symptoms
Chest pain that improves with sitting up, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An EKG can show characteristic abnormalities, and an echocardiogram will demonstrate fluid surrounding the heart. A chest CT scan and/or MRI may show similar findings.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Echocardiogram
Specialists:
Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An EKG can show characteristic abnormalities, and an echocardiogram will demonstrate fluid surrounding the heart. A chest CT scan and/or MRI may show similar findings.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Echocardiogram
Specialists:
Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Treatment
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce the inflammation and/or pain. If the amount of fluid around the heart is large or impairs heart function, it can be removed with a needle (pericardiocentesis). Severe cases may require surgery to remove a portion of the pericardium (pericardiectomy).