Pericarditis

Inflammation of pericardial sac - reduces effectiveness of contractions

• Acute - serofibrinous, caseous, haemorrhagic & purulent
• Chronic - constrictive

Infections - Coxackie B, bacteria, TB, fungi etc Autoimmune - rheumatic fever, SLE, scleroderma, post-MI Other- uraemia, neoplasia, trauma

Signs:

• Saddle shaped ST segment with PR depression
• Worse on inspiration lying down - betting leaning forwards
• Low-grade fever
• Friction rub on auscultation