Diagnostic yield of extensive infectious panel testing in acute pericarditis

OBJECTIVE

In an attempt to reconsider our local strategy, we evaluated patients with viral/idiopathic pericarditis in order to assess the diagnostic yield of our standard infectious panel, the characteristics of myocardial involvement, the utility of investigating myocardial involvement and the incidence of coronary evaluation tests.

METHODS

Seventy-six consecutive cases of idiopathic/viral acute pericarditis treated between March 2005 and March 2008 were retrospectively enrolled. Telephonic questionnaires were answered by all.

RESULTS

Myopericarditis was recorded in 45/71 (63.4%) consecutive patients. Sore throat on presentation (38 vs. 12%; p = 0.027) was the only symptom independently associated with myopericarditis. The following clinical features were significantly correlated with pericarditis rather than myopericarditis: age (42 ± 16 vs. 32 ± 12; p = 0.008), C-reactive protein (131 ± 75 vs. 78 ± 58; p = 0.009) and lower CPK and troponin levels (mean 96 vs. mean 489; p < 0.001 and mean 0 vs. mean 10; p < 0.001, respectively). The infectious panel revealed 6 positive results. After an average 3 years' fol- low-up, recurrence was documented in 5 patients (7%). No patient initially regarded idiopathic developed systemic disease during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients presenting with presumed idiopathic/viral pericarditis, myopericarditis is relatively common and has a benign evolution. Extensive serological investigation with a broad infectious panel proved to be diagnostically and therapeutically futile in our area.

Coronary artery perforation by intracoronary guide wires: risk factors and clinical outcomes

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of coronary artery perforation by intracoronary guide wires during angioplasty, to identify associated factors, and to assess outcomes. The retrospective analysis covered 4,353 consecutive procedures, corresponding to a total 6,994 lesions treated over a period of 8 years. Coronary artery perforation by guide wires occurred in 15 cases (0.35%). Perforation was associated with the number of hydrophilic wires used (odds ratio=2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-4.05) and treatment of chronic occlusions (odds ratio=3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-10.46). Cardiac tamponade occurred in seven cases (46.7%), six of which were subacute. Three cases were resolved by pericardiocentesis, while four required surgical drainage. Cardiac tamponade was associated with the number of guide wires used (P=.039) and the use of abciximab (P=.016). No death occurred.

Myopericarditis following Campylobacter infection

BACKGROUND

Myopericarditis can be caused by a wide range of infectious agents. There are a few reported cases implicating Campylobacter in the pathogenesis of myopericarditis.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that this case report represents the first documented case in Ireland of myopericarditis associated with Campylobacter enteritis.