Acute and Chronic Pericarditis
Definition
- Acute pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium that occurs suddenly.
- Chronic pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium that occurs over a long period.
Types of Acute Pericarditis
- Viral pericarditis: caused by viral infections such as Coxsackie B virus.
- Bacterial pericarditis: caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus.
- Fungal pericarditis: caused by fungal infections such as Histoplasma capsulatum.
- Tubercular pericarditis: caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Uremic pericarditis: caused by renal failure.
- Traumatic pericarditis: caused by trauma to the chest.
- Neoplastic pericarditis: caused by cancer.
- Autoimmune pericarditis: caused by autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Clinical Features of Acute Pericarditis
- Sudden onset of chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
- Pain may radiate to the back or shoulders.
- Pericardial friction rub may be heard on auscultation.
- Echocardiogram may show pericardial effusion.
Clinical Features of Chronic Pericarditis
- Chronic chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pericardial friction rub may be heard on auscultation.
- Echocardiogram may show pericardial effusion.
Investigations for Acute and Chronic Pericarditis
- ECG: may show ST elevation or PR segment depression.
- Echocardiogram: shows pericardial effusion and/or pericardial thickening.
- Chest X-ray: may show cardiomegaly or pericardial calcification.
- Blood tests: may show elevated white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Complications of Acute and Chronic Pericarditis
- Cardiac tamponade: compression of the heart by the pericardial effusion.
- Constrictive pericarditis: scarring of the pericardium leading to restricted cardiac movement.
- Cardiac surgery: may be required in severe cases.
Management and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pericarditis
- Acute pericarditis: treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or corticosteroids may be necessary.
- Chronic pericarditis: treatment with NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids may be necessary.
- Surgical intervention: may be required in severe cases of constrictive pericarditis.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines
- Belladonna: for acute pericarditis with sudden onset of pain.
- Arnica: for chronic pericarditis with inflammation.
- Rhus toxicodendron: for pericarditis with pain and stiffness.
- Calcarea carbonica: for pericarditis with weakness and fatigue.
- Ferrum metallicum: for pericarditis with anemia.
ACUTE AND CHRONIC PERICARDITIS
Definition and Types of Pericarditis
- Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, which is a double-layered sac that surrounds the heart.
- It can be acute or chronic.
- Acute pericarditis is a sudden onset of inflammation, usually lasting less than 6 weeks.
- Chronic pericarditis is a prolonged inflammation, lasting more than 6 weeks.
- There are two types of pericarditis: fibrinous and serous.
- Fibrinous pericarditis is characterized by the deposition of fibrin on the pericardial surface.
- Serous pericarditis is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space.
Complications and Management
- Complications of pericarditis include cardiac tamponade, pericardial effusion, and cardiac arrest.
- Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, compressing the heart and preventing it from functioning properly.
- Pericardial effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which can be a sign of pericarditis.
- The management of pericarditis includes rest, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory medications.
- In severe cases, pericardiocentesis or pericardial window may be performed to drain the fluid and relieve pressure on the heart.
Homoeopathic Therapeutics for Pericarditis
- Arsenic album 6: used for acute pericarditis with severe pain and inflammation.
- Belladonna 6: used for acute pericarditis with sudden onset and severe pain.
- Bryonia 6: used for acute pericarditis with dry cough and difficulty swallowing.
- Aconite 6: used for acute pericarditis with sudden onset and severe pain.
- Calcarea carbonica 6: used for chronic pericarditis with fatigue and weakness.
- Phosphorus 6: used for chronic pericarditis with inflammation and fluid accumulation.
- Lachesis 6: used for chronic pericarditis with inflammation and fibrosis.
Pathology of Pericarditis
- Inflammation of the pericardium is the primary pathology of pericarditis.
- The pericardium is formed by two layers: the visceral pericardium and the parietal pericardium.
- The visceral pericardium is attached to the heart, while the parietal pericardium is attached to the surrounding tissues.
- Inflammation of the pericardium can occur due to various causes, including infection, trauma, and autoimmune disorders.
- The inflammation can lead to the deposition of fibrin and fluid in the pericardial space, which can compress the heart and prevent it from functioning properly.
Clinical Features of Pericarditis
- Acute pericarditis: sudden onset of chest pain, fever, and fatigue.
- Chronic pericarditis: prolonged inflammation, fluid accumulation, and fibrosis.
- Pericardial effusion: accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which can be a sign of pericarditis.
- Cardiac tamponade: compression of the heart due to fluid accumulation in the pericardial space.
Investigations for Pericarditis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): to diagnose arrhythmias and cardiac ischemia.
- Chest X-ray: to diagnose pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
- Echocardiogram: to diagnose pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
- Troponin levels: to diagnose cardiac injury and inflammation.
- Pericardial fluid analysis: to diagnose pericarditis and identify the causative agent.
Management of Pericarditis
- Rest: to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
- Pain relief: to manage pain and discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
- Pericardiocentesis: to drain the fluid and relieve pressure on the heart.
- Pericardial window: to create a new space for the heart to expand and function properly.
Homoeopathic Medicines for Pericarditis
- Arsenic album 6: used for acute pericarditis with severe pain and inflammation.
- Belladonna 6: used for acute pericarditis with sudden onset and severe pain.
- Bryonia 6: used for acute pericarditis with dry cough and difficulty swallowing.
- Aconite 6: used for acute pericarditis with sudden onset and severe pain.
- Calcarea carbonica 6: used for chronic pericarditis with fatigue and weakness.
- Phosphorus 6: used for chronic pericarditis with inflammation and fluid accumulation.
- Lachesis 6: used for chronic pericarditis with inflammation and fibrosis.