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Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
An unusual cause of acute pericarditis: a case report
Erika M Salarda1, Daniel Ocazionez-Trujillo1, Siddharth K Prakash1
1Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 6.106, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Background:
Inflammation of the pericardium, or pericarditis, is a frequent cause of acute chest pain in young patients. Pericarditis is typically associated with viral infections, but other potential causes may have distinct prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Case Summary:
A 26-year-old man presented with typical signs and symptoms of acute pericarditis. However, imaging disclosed an anterior mediastinal mass that compressed the right ventricular outflow tract. The coarse outflow murmur convincingly mimicked a pericardial friction rub on auscultation.
Conclusion:
Clinicians should be aware of alternative aetiologies to pericarditis in patients who present with prolonged or refractory symptoms.
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