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An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
Published on: September 2, 2021
Fundamentals of Acute Pericarditis: State of the Art
Gabriel de Moraes Mangas1, Jose Gregorio Valero Rodriguez1, João Alexandre Ranzeiro de Bragança Dos Santos1
1Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ - Brasil.
Insights
Acute pericarditis, a common heart inflammation, affects young adults and has varied causes like infections and vaccines. New research on the NLRP3 inflammasome and AI may improve diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute pericarditis is the most common inflammatory heart condition, frequently affecting young adults.
- Causes are diverse, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-infarction states, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Tuberculosis is a leading cause in developing countries, often linked with HIV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of acute pericarditis.
- To highlight novel pathophysiological insights and emerging therapeutic targets.
- To discuss advancements in diagnostic tools and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical criteria for diagnosis, including chest pain and electrocardiographic changes.
- Utilization of imaging studies like echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and CT scans.
- Exploration of recent research on the NLRP3 inflammasome and its role in pericarditis.
Main Results:
- The NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in pericarditis pathophysiology, suggesting potential new therapeutic avenues.
- Technological advancements and artificial intelligence show promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
- Etiological identification remains crucial for personalized treatment, though often challenging.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pericarditis pathophysiology, particularly the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome, is key for developing targeted therapies.
- Integrating advanced imaging and AI can enhance diagnostic capabilities and treatment strategies for acute pericarditis.
- Multifaceted approaches are needed to address the diverse etiologies and improve outcomes for patients with this condition.
Abstract:
Acute pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the lining that surrounds the heart. It is the most common inflammatory heart condition. The disease frequently affects young adults and can manifest with varying severity. Pericarditis can have diverse causes, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-infarction conditions, and, more recently, SARS-CoV-2 infections or COVID-19 vaccines. In developing countries, especially in Africa, tuberculosis is the leading cause of pericarditis, often associated with HIV. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, such as chest pain and electrocardiographic changes, and it can be supported by imaging studies such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. Identification of etiology is crucial to personalized treatment, although the specific cause is often unidentified. New research has highlighted the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of pericarditis, which may pave the way for new therapies. Furthermore, technological advancements and artificial intelligence are discussed as promising tools to improve the management of pericarditis.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

