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Acute idiopathic pericarditis in the aged.
European Journal of Cardiology
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Idiopathic pericarditis in the elderly is challenging to diagnose, often mimicking heart attack symptoms. Prednisone effectively treated this condition, unlike antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic pericarditis diagnosis in elderly patients presents challenges.
- Symptoms can mimic ischemic cardiovascular disease, common in this age group.
- Pre-existing arteriosclerotic cardiovascular involvement complicates diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on idiopathic pericarditis in elderly patients.
- To highlight diagnostic difficulties and treatment outcomes.
- To differentiate idiopathic pericarditis from ischemic heart disease in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of eleven elderly patients diagnosed with idiopathic pericarditis.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings (ECG, labs), and treatment responses were analyzed.
- Comparison with initial misdiagnoses such as heart failure and myocardial infarction.
Main Results:
- Eight of eleven patients (over 60 years) had evidence of ischemic cardiovascular disease.
- Initial diagnoses included heart failure (4) and myocardial infarction (3).
- Prednisone showed a dramatic therapeutic effect, while antibiotics were ineffective. Relapses occurred in two patients.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic pericarditis in the aged is difficult to diagnose due to its resemblance to ischemic heart disease.
- Prompt recognition and treatment with corticosteroids like prednisone are crucial for managing elderly patients with idiopathic pericarditis.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific pathophysiology and long-term prognosis of idiopathic pericarditis in this population.