Recurrent Pericarditis in a Pediatric Patient

Recurrent Pericarditis in a Pediatric Patient Recurrent pericarditis is a chronic condition with the recurrence of pericardial effusion within 3 months after the documented acute pericarditis. The knowledge about this disease is based on observations in adults (6). The common identifiable causes of pericardial effusion in children are a prior cardiac surgery, bacterial pericarditis, malignancy or connective tissue disorders. In a significant number of children, however, despite extensive investigation, it is not possible to identify a clear aetiology. A viral cause is often suspected, though rarely confirmed. There are only few reports on the clinical course of idiopathic pericardial effusions in children. We demonstrate a case of recurrent idiopathic pericarditis with 3 episodes of recurrence within a period of 6 months with no autoimmune disease present, not related to prior surgery or malignancy.