Listen: A pericardial friction rub is high-pitched, may be transient, and is typically triphasic and heard best with the patient leaning forward. This is a specific finding for active pericarditis and is reported in about one-third of cases of acute pericarditis. https://ja.ma/3AQcRA6 | JAMA

Pericardial friction Rub in pericarditis patients on auscultation. | Cardiovascular Education

Acute Pericarditis Epidemiology: ~0.27% incidence; M>F. Diagnosis (≥2 of 4): Pleuritic chest pain, pericardial friction rub, characteristic ECG evolution, new pericardial effusion. ECG Evolution: 1. Stage 1 (Hours-Days): Diffuse concave ST↑, PR↓. Reciprocal ST↓ aVR/V1. 2. Stage 2 (Days-Weeks): ST/PR normalization. 3. Stage 3 (Weeks): Diffuse T-wave inversions. 4. Stage 4 (Weeks-Months): Normalization or persistent T inversion. Management: 📑 Cardionotes · First-line (Acute): NSAID (Ibuprofen) or