Management of acute pericarditis

Provide an update on current management and most recent evidence in the treatment of pediatric pericarditis.

While treatment of acute pericarditis has not significantly changed over the last decade, management of recurrent acute pericarditis, with increased attention to autoinflammation as a causal mechanism, has evolved substantially. This includes clinical trial evidence that newer medications targeting interleukin-1 receptors are effective in recurrent forms of pericarditis. In addition, advanced imaging utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance has emerged as a particularly effective way to detect ongoing pericardial inflammation in support of more difficult-to-treat patients.

Recent advances in acute and recurrent pericarditis management have allowed for a more tailored approach to the individual patient. Yet, unresolved questions require further research.