Pericarditis
Of these, cardiovascular disease (accelerated atherosclerosis, pericarditis) is the commonest and the main cause of early death.
What our notes say
- Of these, cardiovascular disease (accelerated atherosclerosis, pericarditis) is the commonest and the main cause of early death. (Internal Medicine Rheumatology CAT: 30 MCQs and 5 short answer questions)
- The urgent indications are encephalopathy, pericarditis (diffuse ST elevation, PR depression) and fluid overload (effusions). (Internal Medicine End of Semester CAT (MBChB 4): haematology and renal, 30 MCQs )
- • Is due to Pericarditis whose causes include:- bacterial and viral pericarditis, myocardial infarction, rheumatic fever, connective tissue disorder, trauma, uraemia (Cardiovascular system examination revised 2012 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Parapneumonic effusion and empyema, lung abscess, sepsis and septic shock, respiratory failure and ARDS, pleurisy, pericarditis, lobar collapse, metastatic infection (meningitis, endocarditis, arthritis), bronchiectasis (long term). (Pneumonia)
- | Constrictive pericarditis | Asbestos-related, drugs (amiodarone, nitrofurantoin) | (Pleural Effusion)
- Infections and pericarditis (uraemic), and neurodevelopmental problems (Paediatrics and Child Health end of semester examination (MBPE): 10 January 2023)
Study material on Pericarditis
- 🫀 MISSING TOPICS — ULTRA DEEP NOTES
- CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY
- CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY
- Cardiovascular system examination revised 2012
- Comprehensive Heart Pathology Notes 🫀
- Internal Medicine Rheumatology CAT: 30 MCQs and 5 short answer questions
- Examination of Respiratory system
- CVS History & Physical Exam: Symptoms, Chest Pain & Syncope
- Heart Pathology: Comprehensive Short Notes
- CVS History, Physical Exam & ECG: Master Clinical Assessment
Practice questions on Pericarditis
72-year-old, constrictive pericarditis, pericardiectomy shows dense fibrous thickening with calcification. Expected hemodynamic feature?
- Massive pericardial effusion with RV chamber collapse
- Elevated PCWP with normal RA pressure
- Low central venous pressure with high cardiac output
- Normal JVP with exertional hypotension
- Equalization of diastolic pressures across all four cardiac chambers
Answer: E. - The rigid, non-compliant pericardium restricts filling equally in all chambers → classic **equalization of diastolic pressures** (RA = RV = PCWP) ---
A 66-year-old man has a friction rub on chest auscultation, BUN of 100 mg/dL, and creatinine of 9.8 mg/dL. Most likely form of pericarditis?
- Fibrinous
- Hemorrhagic
- Purulent
- Serous
Answer: A. Severe uremia from renal failure triggers fibrin exudation onto pericardial surfaces, producing fibrinous pericarditis with a classic friction rub on auscultation. ---
A 72-year-old male with constrictive pericarditis undergoes pericardiectomy. The resected pericardium shows dense fibrous thickening with areas of calcification. Which of the following hemodynamic features would be EXPECTED in this patient?
- Elevated PCWP with normal RA pressure
- Equalization of diastolic pressures across all four cardiac chambers
- Low central venous pressure with high cardiac output
- Massive pericardial effusion with RV chamber collapse
- Normal JVP with exertional hypotension ✅ Answer: B
Answer: A. Equalization of diastolic pressures (right atrial, right ventricular, pulmonary artery diastolic, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures) is a hallmark hemodynamic finding in constrictive pericarditis.