Treatment of pericarditis: medication, puncture, surgery

The key to effective treatment is to identify the cause of the pericarditis. It also depends on whether it is an acute or chronic form of pericarditis. Treatment is primarily symptomatic. Therapy is carried out according to the clinical symptoms and manifestations of the patient.

The basis is the restriction of excessive physical activity, the elimination of stress factors and a certain dietary lifestyle.

Pharmacological treatment

In bacterial pericarditis, pharmacological treatment with antibiotics (oral or intravenous) is mainly chosen.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be indicated to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroids are chosen to suppress inflammation.

Colchicine is one of the main drugs used in pericarditis. It can halve the chance of recurrence of the disease.

Pericardial puncture (drainage)

In a pathological condition, blood, exudate or chylous fluid may accumulate in the pericardium.

If there is too much fluid in the pericardium and cardiac tamponade is imminent, the excess fluid should be drained from the pericardial cavity.

Pericardiocentesis and is performed either by open surgery or by using a special catheter through the patient's chest wall. More often today, pericardiocentesis is performed under echocardiographic control.

Surgical intervention

If the pericarditis does not respond to any other chosen treatment and there is also a risk of progression to chronicity or serious health complications, the pericardium can be surgically removed.

The operation is called a pericardiectomy. It is the last treatment option for pericarditis.