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World J Cardiol. Dec 26, 2010; 2(12): 403-407
Published online Dec 26, 2010. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v2.i12.403
Published online Dec 26, 2010. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v2.i12.403
Acute and recurring pericarditis: More colchicine, less corticosteroids
Paul Farand, Francis Bonenfant, Emilie P Belley-Côté, Nicholas Tzouannis, Division of Cardiology, Sherbrooke University Hospital Center, Etienne-Lebel Research Center, Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4, Canada
Author contributions: Farand P and Bonenfant F wrote the Original version written; Belley-Côté EP and Tzouannis N participated in drafting and reviewing of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Paul Farand, MD, MSc, Division of Cardiology, Sherbrooke University Hospital Center, Etienne-Lebel Research Center, 3001, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4, Canada. paul.farand@usherbrooke.ca
Telephone: +1-819-3461110 Fax: +1-819-8206897
Received: August 9, 2010
Revised: September 23, 2010
Accepted: September 30, 2010
Published online: December 26, 2010
Revised: September 23, 2010
Accepted: September 30, 2010
Published online: December 26, 2010
Abstract
Acute and recurring pericarditis are frequently encountered clinical entities. Given that severe complications such as tamponade and constrictive pericarditis occur rarely, the majority of patients suffering from acute pericarditis will have a benign clinical course. However, pericarditis recurrence, with its painful symptoms, is frequent. In effect, recent studies have demonstrated a beneficial role of colchicine in preventing recurrence, while also suggesting an increase in recurrences with the use of corticosteroids, the traditional first-line agent.
Keywords: Pericarditis; Colchicine; Corticosteroids; Recurring pericarditis; Pericardium