Pericarditis is a condition that causes inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin sac that surrounds the heart. The inflammation can cause chest pain, which is typically sharp and worsens with deep breaths, coughing or lying down. Other symptoms of pericarditis may include fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing and a dry cough.
When evaluating a patient with chest pain, there are several other potential diagnoses that should be considered, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), pulmonary embolism (blockage in the lungs), aortic dissection (tear in the aorta) and musculoskeletal pain. However, there are some key features that can help distinguish pericarditis from these other conditions.
For example, pericarditis typically causes pain that is sharp and worsened by movement, whereas a heart attack may cause a more crushing or squeezing pain that is often accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or nausea. Additionally, pericarditis may be associated with a friction rub, which is a scraping or rubbing sound that can be heard with a stethoscope over the heart.
Ultimately, a diagnosis of pericarditis is made based on a combination of clinical features, physical exam findings and diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram. Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the inflammation and relieve symptoms.