Evaluation and treatment of acute pericarditis are reviewed based on a clinical vignette of a 35-year-old woman presenting with 2 days of retrosternal chest pain and widespread ST-segment elevation.
This clinical vignette highlights the classic presentation of acute pericarditis, including positional chest pain, friction rub, and characteristic ECG changes.
A 35-year-old woman who is otherwise healthy has had constant retrosternal chest pain for two days. The pain worsens when she lies down and improves when she sits up and leans forward. On physical examination, the patient is afebrile and has a friction rub. The 12-lead electrocardiogram shows widespread ST-segment elevation and concomitant PR-segment depression. How should this patient be evaluated and treated?
Lange et al. (2004) conducted a review in Acute Pericarditis (n=1). Evaluation and treatment of acute pericarditis are reviewed based on a clinical vignette of a 35-year-old woman presenting with 2 days of retrosternal chest pain and widespread ST-segment elevation.