What are the clinical manifestations of rheumatic pericarditis?
Disease description:
I’ve been experiencing chest pain and palpitations frequently over the past few days, sometimes accompanied by generalized fatigue. After visiting the hospital for evaluation, I was diagnosed with rheumatic pericarditis. What are the clinical manifestations of rheumatic pericarditis?
The clinical manifestations of rheumatic pericarditis primarily include three features: pericardial effusion, left lung compression, and cardiac tamponade. When pericardial effusion progresses to a certain degree, it may trigger complications such as arrhythmia and premature ventricular contractions. Left lung compression typically presents with dyspnea, restlessness, lower-limb edema, and varicose veins. Cardiac tamponade leads to abnormal heart rate; in severe cases, it may result in shock and coma.