Acute pericarditis is a frequent condition caused by pericardium inflammation that is usually benign and self-limiting. It can occur as an isolated entity or as a presentation of a systemic complex disease. It accounts for 5% of all causes of chest discomfort in the emergency department. The most common cause is viral infections, however it can also be caused by systemic disorders and infections. Pericardial effusion, which causes cardiac tamponade, is the most common complication of acute pericarditis. The first line of treatment is anti-inflammatory medication and/or acetylsalicylic acid. Most patients responded well to an NSAID coupled with colchicine and were asymptomatic within a few days. This review article considers the key clinical findings and armed investigation to optimise the diagnosis of this significant disease, as well as their therapeutic care in an Indian context.
Key words: Acute Pericarditis, Chest Pain, Pericardial friction rub, Pericardial diseases, Diagnosis
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