Classical inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein, complete blood count, D-dimer, and serum amyloid A are crucial for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in recurrent acute pericarditis.
Serum biomarkers, particularly CRP and white blood cell counts, are essential for diagnosing, phenotyping, and predicting outcomes in idiopathic recurrent acute pericarditis, though novel autoantibody markers require further validation.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To outline the latest discoveries regarding the utility and reliability of serum biomarkers in idiopathic recurrent acute pericarditis (IRAP), considering recent findings on its pathogenesis. The study highlights the predictive role of these biomarkers in potential short- (cardiac tamponade, recurrences) and long-term complications (constrictive pericarditis, death). RECENT FINDINGS: The pathogenesis of pericarditis has been better defined in recent years, focusing on the autoinflammatory pathway. New studies have demonstrated the pivotal role of the classical inflammatory biomarkers in distinguishing pericarditis phenotypes (high-grade vs. low-grade inflammation) and in defining outcomes of this condition. Pericarditis involves intense inflammatory activity, which causes elevation of different markers, such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophils and platelets, serum amyloid A and D-Dimer. Conversely, lymphocytes are often reduced, as well as hemoglobin during the acute phase. Cardiac troponins T and I are elevated in up to 30% of cases. A Biomarker for CRP-negative cases is needed. Other markers have been proposed for diagnosis and prognosis in IRAP, such as anti-heart antibodies and anti-intercalated disk antibodies, but we need further studies to validate them.
Mascolo et al. (Sat,) conducted a review in Idiopathic recurrent acute pericarditis (IRAP). Biomarkers (CRP, CBC, D-Dimer, Troponins, SAA) was evaluated. Classical inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein, complete blood count, D-dimer, and serum amyloid A are crucial for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in recurrent acute pericarditis.