What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose pericarditis by asking about your symptoms and doing a physical exam
• Order laboratory tests, x-rays (chest X-ray) or special scans (CT scan or MRI).
• Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of your heart.
• Arrange for an echocardiogram (images the heart using ultrasound).
• Treatment includes:
• Admission to the hospital.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines to decrease inflammation. Oral steroids are often necessary if inflammation is severe.
• Antibiotics to treat infection.
• Pain medications.
• Pericardiocentesis - Special procedure in which your doctor inserts a needle into the sac around the heart to withdraw fluid.