Pericarditis

Pericarditis

Infection and inflammation may also a ff ect the pericardium. Acute pericarditis usually occurs following a viral illness. Treat ment is with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and bed rest (in case there is an underlying myocarditis). Acute purulent pericarditis is uncommon but requires urgent drainage and intravenous antibiotics, with attention to the underlying cause. Chr onic pericarditis is an uncommon condition in which the pericardium becomes thickened and non-compliant. The heart cannot move freely and the stroke volume is reduced by the constrictive process. The central venous pressure is raised and the liver becomes congested. P eripheral oedema and asci tes are also a feature. Treatment is surgical and is aimed at relieving the constriction.