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Review Question - QID 103723

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QID 103723 (Type "103723" in App Search)
A 61-year-old man is evaluated in the cardiovascular ICU for chest pain. Two days prior, he underwent revascularization of the left anterior descending artery due to acute myocardial infarction (MI). He states that this morning he developed severe chest pain that is worse upon inspiration and is relieved by sitting up and leaning forward. EKG is obtained as shown in Figure A. His temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C) blood pressure is 130/85 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respiratory rate is 16/min, oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. On exam, he appears in mild distress due to pain. Breath sounds are clear to auscultation. Exam is otherwise unremarkable. Which of the following is indicated in the treatment of this patient?
  • A

Administer aspirin

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Administer clopidogrel

0%

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Administer prednisone

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Perform emergent cardiac catheterization

0%

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Perform pericardiocentesis

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  • A

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This patient with pleuritic chest pain and EKG changes consistent with acute pericarditis in the setting of recent myocarditis likely has peri-infarction pericarditis (PIP).

PIP is thought to develop due to inflammation as a result of transmural myocardial infarction (MI). Typically it presents 2-3 days after MI. Notably, it should be differentiated from Dressler syndrome, which is an autoimmune pericarditis that typically develops weeks-months after MI. Pericarditis classically presents with symptoms of dyspnea, cough, fever, and pleuritic chest pain. Physical exam findings include pericardial friction rub, elevated JVP, and pulses paradoxus. Electrocardiogram typically demonstrates diffuse ST segment elevation not restricted to a single coronary artery distribution, as well as PR segment depression. PIP is usually managed with high dose aspirin administration. NSAIDs other than aspirin and steroids are typically avoided as they may impair collagen deposition and increase the risk of post-MI complications. Most patients improve over the course of several days.

Verma et. al review pericarditis related to myocardial infarction. They distinguish peri-infarction pericarditis from Dressler syndrome. They advise avoidance of NSAIDs and steroids, and recommend management with aspirin.

Figure A shows characteristic ECG changes in acute pericarditis.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 2: Clopidogrel, or another anti-platelet agent such as ticagrelor was likely already administered to this patient due to their recent myocardial infarction. Clopidogrel would not address the underlying peri-infarction pericarditis

Answer 3: Prednisone may be appropriate for management of Dressler syndrome, which develops weeks to months after MI. Prednisone is avoided for PIP due to impairment in collagen deposition.

Answer 4: Cardiac catheterization may be appropriate for a subsequent MI. However, this patient's history and ECG points toward pericarditis as a more likely diagnosis.

Answer 5: Pericardiocentesis is indicated in patients with cardiac tamponade who are hemodynamically unstable. This patient with normal vital signs has no evidence of tamponade physiology.

Bullet Summary:
Peri-infarction pericarditis presents several days after myocardial infarction and is managed with administration of aspirin.

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