Which symptom is typical of acute pericarditis?

Which symptom is typical of acute pericarditis?

• A. Chest pain worse on inspiration
• B. Chest pain relieved by standing
• C. Sharp pleuritic pain worsened by coughing
• D. Left arm numbness

Answer: (A)

Acute pericarditis classically presents with chest pain that is sharp and pleuritic, meaning it worsens with deep inspiration because the inflamed pericardial surfaces rub against the chest wall during breathing. A key feature is relief when the patient sits up and leans forward, which reduces pericardial pressure and friction. So chest pain that worsens with inspiration aligns with the typical pericarditis pattern. Pain relief by standing isn’t characteristic, and left arm numbness points more toward myocardial ischemia. A sharp pleuritic pain worsened by coughing fits more often suggests pleuritis rather than pericarditis.

Acute pericarditis classically presents with chest pain that is sharp and pleuritic, meaning it worsens with deep inspiration because the inflamed pericardial surfaces rub against the chest wall during breathing. A key feature is relief when the patient sits up and leans forward, which reduces pericardial pressure and friction. So chest pain that worsens with inspiration aligns with the typical pericarditis pattern. Pain relief by standing isn’t characteristic, and left arm numbness points more toward myocardial ischemia. A sharp pleuritic pain worsened by coughing fits more often suggests pleuritis rather than pericarditis.