IDIOPATHIC PERICARDITIS

Abstract

Twenty-three cases are presented. The disease effects young male adults predominantly. Diagnosis must be made only after careful exclusion of specific forms of pericarditis and other diseases causing chest and abdominal pain. Idiopathic pericarditis may be frequently missed in older age groups. Differentiation from myocardial infarction is especially important. Complete recovery is expected, although 35% of cases here developed recurrence. Death can occur. A fatal case, the 4th in the literature, is described.