The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) reported diagnostic criteria for pericarditis.
Classification:
(1) acute pericarditis
(2) incessant pericarditis
(3) recurrent pericarditis
(4) chronic pericarditis
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Duration
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Classification
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< 4 to 6 weeks
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acute
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> 4 to 6 weeks but < 3 months without remission
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incessant
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episode after (symptom-free interval > 4-6 weeks) after (episode of acute pericarditis)
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recurrent
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> 3 months (12 weeks)
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chronic
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where:
• The symptom-free interval of recurrent pericarditis usually < 24 months.
Criteria for acute pericarditis based on >= 2 of the following:
(1) pericarditic chest pain
(2) pericardial rubs
(3) new widespread ST-elevation or PR depression on ECG
(4) pericardial effusion (new or worsening for acute)
Supportive evidence:
(1) elevated C-reactive protein
(2) elevated ESR
(3) elevated WBC count
(4) evidence of pericardial inflammation on imaging studies
