Pericarditis recurrence is associated with milder electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory findings

• DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03579-7
• Publication Date: 2024-03-29T09:02:08Z
• Authors: Tal Weiss; Edward Itelman; Dor Lotan; Amitai Segev; Dov Freimark; Michael Arad; Yishay Wasserstrum
• Keywords: Acute pericarditis; Cardiovascular event

Abstract Recurrent pericarditis (RP) complicates approximately 30% of acute (AP) cases. We sought to compare the prevalence and severity objective findings seen in patients with RP. A retrospective single-center study during 2010–2019, including 765 diagnosed AP. Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, laboratory were extracted from local electronic health records. Recurrence follow-up was documented 134 (17.5%), a median time recurrence 101 (± 59–251) days. The age 60 years (IQR 45–72), 68% male. Most defined as having idiopathic\viral (64%). clinical manifestation recurrent event less prominent or attenuated when compared initial event—ECG signs (ST elevation 12% vs. 26%; p = 0.006, Knuckle sign 13% 33%; < 0.001, ST larger lead L2 than L3 4% 19%; 0.001), pericardial effusion moderate above (11% 30%; 0.02), inflammatory markers (mean peak CRP levels 66 mg/l 97 mg/l; 0.001). Similar results subgroup pericarditis. Up 20% who did not have ECG significant their 1st demonstrated these recurrence, though still lesser extent those had event. AP are pronounced events. Future studies should focus on role advanced biomarkers imaging defining true RP