Pericarditis

Definition

Inflammation of the pericardium.

History/Physical Exam

• Recent MI or CABG surgery, recent infection, recent chest trauma, chronic immune suppression, HIV.  Sharp, pleuritic sub-sternal pain worsening when supine.
• May have a pleural friction rub.  May demonstrate Beck's triad - hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and JVD.

Key 12-Lead Features

• Widespread concave ST elevation and PR depression
• Reciprocal ST depression and PR elevation in lead aVR
• Measure baseline via TP Segment
• Sinus tachycardia is also common in acute pericarditis due to pain and/or pericardial effusion

Sample 12 Lead

References

1. Kinyasheva, N. Acute Pericarditis Within The Differential Diagnosis Of Chest Pain. 2017. [Link]