Steriods are sometimes used to help reduce the inflammation. If the condition was brought on by infection, antibiotics are used to treat it. If the underlying cause is a heart attack, quick intervention to restore perfusion to the heart muscle is done. Chest X-rays and echocardiograms are used to monitor the extent of the inflammation, and continuous electrocardiogram monitoring is used to assure that the patient does not develop a cardiac arrhythmia. The prognosis for a patient with acute pericarditis is mainly determined by what caused it to occur.
Early intervention is also of key importance in prevent heart tissue damage.
The Lupus Society of Hamilton Information and news on Lupus, an occasional cause of acute pericarditis. Cardiopulmonary Disease and Lupus From the Lupus Foundation of America, information on the cardiopulmonary effects caused by lupus. Acute Pericarditis University Health Service-Topics in Primary Care. Detailed information on acute pericarditis. Peter O. Kwiterovich A competent, detailed description of the coronary risk factors written for the lay reader.