Fact-sheet: Viral pericarditis
Updated on 09/17/2021 at 12:16 PM
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Definition
Viral pericarditis is the most common form of acute pericarditis
Clinical features
Young patient. Often preceded by a flu-like syndrome or ENT infection. Severe chest pain of sudden onset. Fever. Frequent associated pleural involvement. Usual recovery within 2-3 weeks with anti-inflammatory drugs, but relapse may occur. May be associated with Myocarditis (20%)
Laboratory findings
Nonspecific inflammatory syndrome.
Viral serologies: coxsackievirus groups A and B, echovirus, adenovirus, viral Hepatitis A and B, measles, rubella, and mumps.
Opportunistic microorganisms (in the setting of AIDS).
Intradermal skin test.
Rarely, analysis of pericardial fluid, search for virus in stool, pleural fluid, or CSF
Ultrasound
Dry pericarditis or small effusion.
Acute viral pericarditis rarely leads to a large effusion, and very rarely to tamponade.