A 45‑year‑old woman presents with central chest pain worse when lying flat and improved when sitting forward. She had a recent viral upper respiratory...

Question

A 45‑year‑old woman presents with central chest pain worse when lying flat and improved when sitting forward. She had a recent viral upper respiratory infection. Examination reveals a pericardial friction rub. ECG shows diffuse ST‑segment elevation with PR depression. Echocardiogram shows a small pericardial effusion without tamponade. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

High‑dose NSAID plus colchicine

Answer

Immediate pericardiocentesis

Answer

Systemic thrombolysis

Answer

Empiric oral anticoagulation

Answer

No treatment; observation only

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acute pericarditis