Acute and chronic pericarditis-modern diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Abstract

Pericarditis is an inflammatory disease of the pericardium that may present as either an acute or chronic condition. Acute pericarditis is one of the most common pericardial disorders and is typically characterized by chest pain, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and pericardial inflammation. Chronic pericarditis may develop following recurrent episodes of inflammation and can lead to complications such as constrictive pericarditis and chronic pericardial effusion. Advances in imaging techniques and anti-inflammatory therapies have improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. This article reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and current therapeutic approaches to acute and chronic pericarditis.