Overview
This lecture covers pericarditis, focusing on its causes, symptoms, and characteristic ECG findings.
Causes of Pericarditis
- Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac around the heart.
- Causes include infections, localized injury, inflammatory disorders, and post-cardiac injury syndrome.
Clinical Presentation
- Chest pain is a common symptom, typically worsening when lying flat (supine) and improving when leaning forward.
ECG Findings in Pericarditis
- Most leads show concave ST elevation and PR depression.
- Reciprocal ST depression and PR elevation are seen in leads aVR and V1.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Pericardium — thin, sac-like tissue surrounding the heart.
- Pericarditis — inflammation of the pericardium.
- Supine Position — lying flat on the back.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) — a test recording the heart's electrical activity.
- Concave ST Elevation — upward curve in the ST segment on ECG.
- PR Depression — lowering of PR segment on ECG.
- Reciprocal Changes — opposite ECG changes in specific leads.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review ECG patterns associated with pericarditis.
- Read about other causes and treatments of pericarditis.