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Pericarditis, Pediatric

Hythem M. Nawaytou, MBBCh, MSc Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Inflammation of the pericardium, usually resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space between the visceral (serosal tissue intimately related to the myocardium) an...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Symptoms:

    • Most common symptoms:

      • Sharp precordial chest pain: increasing with inspiration and cough and often relieved if the child sits leaning forward

      • Fever

      • Cough

      • Shoulder pain aggravated...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treatment should be directed toward the etiology of the disease. However, no matter the cause, pericardiocentesis is required if there is an effusion that causes hemodynamic ...

ONGOING CARE

  • Most forms of pericarditis resolve on their own or with anti-inflammatory medication, over the course of several weeks.

    • Follow-up is necessary to ensure that effusions have resolved and to...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Alabed S, Pérez-Gaxiola G, Burls A. Colchicine for children with pericarditis: systematic review of clinical studies. Arch Dis Child.  2016;101(10):953–956. [View Abstract on O...

CODES

ICD9

  • 423.9 Unspecified disease of pericardium

  • 420.90 Acute pericarditis, unspecified

  • 423.8 Other specified diseases of pericardium

  • 420.91 Acute idiopathic pericarditis

  • 423.2 Constrictive pericarditis

  • ...

FAQ

  • Q: How does cardiac tamponade present?

  • A: Patients with impending tamponade appear quite ill, with tachycardia, chest pain, and signs of right-sided heart failure including jugular venous distentio...

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