Author: gill.312

Introduction: Pericarditis Case Study

by

PERICARDITIS

(Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms. (n.d.))

Case Study Team

  • Nathan Giangardella
  • Sean Gill
  • Sam Palumbo
  • Sarah Yannone

Why did we choose to study pericarditis?

  • Pericarditis is a disease that is commonly misinterpreted as a heart attack by patients, due to similar precipitating symptoms such as chest pain. Around 5% of ED visits for nonischemic chest pain are due to pericarditis. We are interested in the characteristics that differentiate pericarditis from other similar differentials such as MI, pericardial effusion, and pneumothorax. Overall, our country suffers greatly from cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosis of this disease is straightforward, but the etiology remains challenging to pinpoint, with the information about the pathophysiology of the disease still relatively new.  Recognition of symptoms, diagnosing tools, and treatments further educate and aid clinicians in preventing recurrent conditions such as pericarditis.