Key result
High-intensity exercise was associated with recurrent pericarditis flares in a 53-year-old male, highlighting the need for individualized treatment strategies including biologics.
Why the study?
Recurrent pericarditis is an inflammatory condition characterized by symptom recurrence after an initial episode, and exercise-induced flares are underrecognized.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the potential for high-intensity exercise to trigger flares in recurrent pericarditis and the utility of biologic therapy in refractory cases.
Recognizing exercise triggers in recurrent pericarditis may inform counseling for active patients; leaves open optimal management strategies.
Background: Recurrent pericarditis is an inflammatory condition characterized by symptom recurrence after an initial episode. Exercise-induced flares are underrecognized. Case Summary: A 53-year-old male presented with recurrent pericarditis, initially diagnosed in June 2020 and inadequately treated with a three-month colchicine course. He experienced four exercise-induced flares coinciding with triathlon training, each resolving spontaneously. In August 2024, the patient presented with severe right shoulder pain and tachycardia. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a moderate pericardial effusion, prompting a pericardial window. Despite colchicine and NSAIDs, symptoms recurred, and MRI confirmed active pericarditis with late gadolinium enhancement of the pericardium. Given the refractory nature of his disease, biologic therapy with rilonacept was initiated. Discussion: This case highlights the association between high-intensity exercise and recurrent pericarditis, underscoring the need for individualized treatment strategies, including biologics. It contributes to the understanding of refractory cases and exercise-induced inflammation.
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Calcagno et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Recurrent pericarditis (n=1). High-intensity exercise was evaluated on Pericarditis flares. High-intensity exercise was associated with recurrent pericarditis flares in a 53-year-old male, highlighting the need for individualized treatment strategies including biologics.
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