Advances in the Multimodality Imaging and Management of Recurrent Pericarditis: A Contemporary Review

Abstract

Purpose of review: To outline recent advances in imaging and treatment for recurrent pericarditis (RP).

Recent findings: Greater understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the pathogenesis of RP has led to the development of several anti-interleukin (IL-1) agents, and technological advancements have increased the utility of multimodality imaging in RP. Multimodality imaging plays a crucial role in the assessment of RP, with echocardiography serving as the initial imaging modality; cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as a pivotal test for diagnosis, grading severity, and surveillance; and cardiac computed tomography (CT) providing complimentary information and assisting operative assessment. Anti-IL-1 agents are now well-established as second line therapy for RP, with recent clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy.

Keywords: Anti-IL-1 agents; Cardiac magnetic resonance; Colchicine; Echocardiography; Recurrent pericarditis; pericarditis.