Pericarditis

How is pericarditis treated?

Treatment depends on what is causing the inflammation and the amount of pericardial fluid that is collecting. Large fluid collections usually require drainage which can be accomplished non-surgically by placement of a draining catheter.

Anti-inflammatory medication is helpful for many causes of pericarditis, and may include non-steroidal agents (ibuprofen, indomethacin, colchicine) or steroids (prednisone). Bacterial, fungal or protozoal infections require drainage for diagnosis and subsequent use of antibiotics.