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Acute Pericarditis — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyCardiologyAcute PericarditisRACP Adult Medicine

A 28-year-old woman presents with a 2-week history of pleuritic chest pain and low-grade fever. ECG shows widespread concave ST elevation and PR depression. Troponin is mildly elevated. Which is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Acute pericarditis

Widespread concave ST elevation with PR depression is the hallmark ECG finding of acute pericarditis. The clinical context of pleuritic chest pain and low-grade fever in a young woman supports this diagnosis. Treatment is with colchicine plus NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen). The mild troponin elevation may indicate myopericarditis.

Reference: eTG Cardiovascular – 2024 – Pericardial Disease