Features That Differentiate Acute Pericarditis from Myocardial Ischemia or Infarction and Pulmonary Embolism


In contrast to the pain from myocardial ischemia, chest pain from acute pericarditis is exacerbated in the supine position, by coughing, and with inspiration. The pain usually improves in the seated position or by leaning forward, which reduces pressure on the parietal pericardium, but it is not relieved with nitrates.2  Acute chest pain may or may not occur in patients with uremic pericarditis or pericarditis associated with rheumatologic disorders, although pleuritic chest pain may be the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Dull, oppressive chest pain radiating to the trapezius ridges or shoulders may occur with acute pericarditis, making it difficult to differentiate from other common or life-threatening causes of chest pain, such as MI or aortic dissection.


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