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Post-traumatic pericarditis: A single center review: Post-Traumatic Pericarditis.
John Marquart1, Jacob Lindemann1, Stephanie Joppa2
1Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Injury
|March 24, 2025
Summary
Post-traumatic pericarditis is an uncommon complication of traumatic injury, affecting 0.38% of patients with thoracic trauma. Management varies, and the condition may be underrecognized, necessitating further research into incidence and risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Post-traumatic pericarditis is a rare condition with significant implications for patient recovery.
- Its incidence, presentation, treatment, and complications remain poorly understood.
- This study aimed to investigate these aspects at a level 1 trauma center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of post-traumatic pericarditis.
- To describe the clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes.
- To identify potential complications associated with this condition.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review was conducted at a single institution from January 2010 to December 2022.
- Patients diagnosed with pericarditis post-trauma or at high risk due to cardiothoracic procedures were included.
- Data on trauma mechanisms, injury severity, and treatment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The incidence of post-traumatic pericarditis was 0.38% (32/8,436) among patients with thoracic injury (AIS ≥1).
- Post-pericardiotomy pericarditis occurred in 3.7% (8/214) of procedures involving pericardial violation.
- Colchicine was the primary treatment (59.4%), with 20.5% requiring procedural intervention for effusions; 9.4% experienced recurrent pericarditis.
Conclusions:
- Pericarditis is an infrequent but consequential sequela of trauma.
- Management approaches for post-traumatic pericarditis are diverse and may be underutilized.
- Further prospective studies are needed to establish true incidence and risk factors.
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