Recognition and Management

Abstract

Acute pericarditis is characterized by central chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and electrocardiographic abnormalities typically evolving in four stages. However, as many as half of the patients may not have chest pain. The first clue to effusion may be x-ray evidence of an enlarged “heart.” Friction rub is the hallmark of the disease. When effusion occurs, it is the rate of accumulation rather than the volume which determines whether or not cardiac tamponade will ensue.