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Acute pericarditis is a common disease that typically is diagnosed on the basis of its classic chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and changes on ECG. Although most cases are idiopathic and self-limited, numerous causes should be considered. The diagnostic yield of extensive laboratory evaluation and pericardiocentesis is very low, and invasive procedures should be limited to patients in whom therapeutic intervention is necessary. Treatment should focus on symptomatic relief, usually through use of NSAIDs, and patients should be carefully evaluated and monitored for common complications of the disease.

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