QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Chest X-ray is frequently normal in acute pericarditis unless there is a sizeable pericardial effusion. It is therefore of limited value initially.
10005268
c
Chest X-ray
QuestionChoice
This is a typical description of a patient presenting with acute pericarditis. ECG is a quick and easy bedside test which can exclude other more sinister causes of the chest pain. ECG signs of saddle-shaped ST-elevation and/or PR-depression also form part of the diagnostic criteria for pericarditis alongside pericarditic chest pain, pericardial rub and non-trivial new or worsening pericardial effusion.
10005266
a
12-lead ECG
QuestionChoice
This is an investigation most commonly reserved for the detection of coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients without known heart disease. It is used for those who do not wish to proceed with invasive coronary angiography or in those who coronary angiography may be problematic or high-risk (e.g. coronary artery bypass grafts, severe aortic stenosis, adult congenital heart disease).
10005269
d
Cardiac CT
QuestionChoice
This is an investigation often used in the work-up of myocarditis, unclear heart failure or cardiomyopathy and in acute coronary syndromes without angiographic evidence.
10005270
e
Cardiac MRI
QuestionChoice
This is an investigation used to visualise the coronary arteries and is generally reserved for those presenting with ischaemic symptoms and signs suggestive of coronary artery disease.
10005267
b
Coronary angiography
Concept
Chapter
2693
3708
Pericarditis
Topic
134
Cardiology
13600
A 45-year-old female is seen in the urgent cardiology clinic. She describes sharp, pleuritic, retrosternal chest pain. She says the pain is improved by sitting up and leaning forward. On examination, she has a low-grade fever of 38.1 degrees. There is a scratchy noise heard on her left lower sternal edge. The noise is best heard with the diaphragm of the stethoscope and with her holding her breath.

Which of the following is the next best investigation?
a