Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
08:56
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
3.0K
Recurrent Pericarditis in Children and Adolescents
Enrico Tombetti1, Teresa Giani2,3, Antonio Brucato1
1Department of Medicine, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Fetebenefratelli-Sacco and Department of "Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco", Milan University, Milan, Italy.
Frontiers in Pediatrics
|November 5, 2019
Summary
Recurrent pericarditis (RP) involves repeated inflammation of the pericardium. This review focuses on understanding the causes, diagnosis, and management of RP specifically in pediatric patients, highlighting recent therapeutic advances.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Recurrent pericarditis (RP) is characterized by repeated episodes of pericardial inflammation.
- While prognosis is generally good, significant morbidity can occur, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Autoimmune and autoinflammatory mechanisms are common causes, with idiopathic cases requiring exclusion of known etiologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of recurrent pericarditis in pediatric patients.
- To address the gap in evidence, as most existing data pertains to adult patients.
- To emphasize the importance of a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for pediatric RP.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on pediatric recurrent pericarditis.
- Analysis of current understanding of etiopathogenesis.
- Evaluation of diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies, including novel treatments.
Main Results:
- Recurrent pericarditis in children shares common etiologies with adults, often involving autoimmune or autoinflammatory pathways.
- Idiopathic RP remains a frequent diagnosis necessitating thorough etiological workup.
- Anti-IL1 therapy has emerged as a significant advancement, though optimal algorithms are still developing.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of RP's pediatric-specific aspects is crucial for effective management.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies need to be tailored for children and adolescents.
- Further research focusing on pediatric populations is warranted to refine treatment protocols and improve outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
269
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
269
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
249
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
249
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
260
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
260
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
144
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
144
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
386
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
386
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
277
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
277