Evaluation and Management of Pericarditis in Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

This review summarizes the evaluation for underlying rheumatic conditions in patients presenting with acute pericarditis, treatment considerations for specific rheumatic conditions, and the role of imaging in diagnosis and monitoring. Pericarditis may be one of the initial presentations of a rheumatic disease or identified in a patient with known rheumatic disease. There is also growing evidence for using anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents for treating recurrent pericarditis, which can overlap with the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Inflammation and Heart Diseases: Immunology, Cardiology, and Rheumatology

“…Pericarditis can, however, be a symptom and sign of a systemic rheumatologic disease. Kawano et al 12 from Boston, MA, discuss how patients with pericarditis associated with rheumatologic diseases should be evaluated and managed.…”