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Pericarditis and Post-cardiac Injury Syndrome as a Sequelae of Acute Myocardial Infarction

  • Pericardial Disease (L Klein and CL Jellis, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pericarditis secondary to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is known to develop either immediately or after a latent period of few months. Due to varied presentation and timing, its diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. This article reviews underlying mechanisms and the role of cardiac imaging in investigating and managing this condition.

Recent Findings

Timely diagnosis of pericarditis after AMI is important to prevent potential progression to complicated pericarditis. Clinical suspicion warrants initial investigation with serum inflammatory levels, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. When findings are inconclusive, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography can provide additional diagnostic information.

Summary

Pericarditis after AMI is a treatable condition. Clinicians should maintain a high suspicion in this era of revascularization and develop a strategic plan for timely diagnosis and management.

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Abbreviations

AMI:

Acute myocardial infarction

CMR:

Cardiac magnetic resonance

CRP:

C-reactive protein

CT:

Computerized tomography

DHE:

Delayed hyperenhancement

ESC:

European Society of Cardiology

ESR:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

PCI:

Percutaneous coronary intervention

PEff:

Pericardial effusion

PIP:

Post infarction pericarditis

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Cleveland Clinic, Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Disease, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., Desk J1-5, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Beni R. Verma, Bryce Montane, Michael Chetrit, Mohamed Khayata, Muhammad M. Furqan, Chadi Ayoub & Allan L. Klein

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  1. Beni R. Verma
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Correspondence to Allan L. Klein.

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Conflict of Interest

Beni R. Verma, Bryce Montane, Michael Chetrit, Mohamed Khayata, Muhammad M. Furqan, and Chadi Ayoub declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Allan L. Klein receives honorarium from the Sobi and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Also, he receives a research grant from the Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals. He is on the scientific advisory board for Sobi, Pfizer and Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals.

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Verma, B.R., Montane, B., Chetrit, M. et al. Pericarditis and Post-cardiac Injury Syndrome as a Sequelae of Acute Myocardial Infarction. Curr Cardiol Rep 22, 127 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-020-01371-5

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