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Pericarditis — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular emergenciesPericarditisABEM Board

A 31-year-old man arrives with sharp chest pain worse when supine and improved by leaning forward. Triage acuity is ESI 3; BP 122/76 mm Hg, HR 88/min, SpO2 99%. ECG shows diffuse concave ST elevation and PR depression. Troponin is normal and bedside echo shows no effusion. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Treat with NSAIDs and colchicine if no high-risk features are present

Low-risk acute pericarditis is treated with anti-inflammatory therapy and colchicine after excluding myocardial infarction and complications.

Reference: ACC/AHA chest pain guidance; ACEP chest pain clinical policy