Inflammation of the pericardial sac from infection, MI (Dressler’s Syndrome), renal failure (uremia), etc.
S/S: Sudden onset of retrosternal chest pain exacerbated by inspiration, activity, and supine position; and relieved by leaning forward or sitting up; pericardial friction rub at left sternal border; tachycardia and tachypnea; low-grade fever.
DX: Chest x-ray and echocardiogram.
12 lead ECG: global (diffuse, widespread), concave ST segment elevation in most or all leads without reciprocal changes; tall, peaked T waves in all leads except aVR; PR depression; downsloping TP segment (Spodick's sign).
TX: Anti-inflammatory agents (ibuprofen, aspirin, indocin, etc.), not NTG; allow to lean forward.
Monitor for cardiac tamponade, pleural effusion, constrictive pericarditis.
Resources
Here’s the Rub: STEMI versus Pericarditis. Retrieved 12/22/19 from http://lifeinthefastlane.com/heres-the-rub-stemi-vs-pericarditis/
Kent, K. (2014). Adult CCRN Certification Review: Think in Questions, Learn by Rationale. New York: Springer Publishing Company.