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Untying the Gordian knot of pericardial diseases: A pragmatic approach
George Lazaros1, Massimo Imazio2, Antonio Brucato3
1Cardiology Department, University of Athens Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Pericardial disorders are common heart issues. This review covers recent evidence on diagnosing and treating pericarditis, addressing concerns about its complications like cardiac tamponade.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Pericardial disorders are a frequent cause of heart disease.
- Acute pericarditis, particularly idiopathic forms, is common but can lead to serious complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of common pericardial disorders.
- To discuss the short- and long-term prognosis of pericardial diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and medical literature.
- Synthesis of current diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Recent clinical trials are reshaping the traditional approach to pericardial diseases.
- Evidence supports updated diagnostic and treatment guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and managing pericardial disorders requires incorporating recent advancements.
- Addressing complications like recurrent pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis is crucial.
Abstract:
Pericardial disorders constitute a relatively common cause of heart disease. Although acute pericarditis, especially the idiopathic forms that are the most prevalent, is considered a benign disease overall, its short- and long-term complications, namely, recurrent pericarditis, cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis, constitute a matter of concern in the medical community. In recent years, several clinical trials contributed to redefining our traditional approach to pericardial diseases. In this review, we provide the most recent evidence concerning diagnosis, treatment modalities and short- and long-term prognosis of the most common pericardial disorders.
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