HIV induced pericarditis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ramyar Ghandriz MD[2]

Pericarditis is the most common clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease in patients with AIDS. However, majority of the cases of pericardial effusion are asymptomatic and are found incidentally on a chest x-ray showing increased cardiac silhouette. Symptoms vary with the type of cardiac disease in AIDS.

History should include details of previous opportunistic infections, risk factors for atherosclerosis, current or past antiretroviral therapy.

• Fever
• Pleuritic chest pain
• Cough (either dry or productive)
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Breathlessness

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