Pericardial effusion as a consequence of acute myocardial infarction

Pericarditis is a common complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Its incidence during the first few days after acute MI is 24%-43% when echo cardiographic criteria are used, whereas the frequency of clinical pericard itis is much less (from 5% for all acute Mis to 21% for anterior Q wave Mis ). Clinical, electrocardiographic findings are discussed. Effusions are mos tly small, and the resolution is frequently slow, Lasting 1-18 months. Tamp onade is extremely rare in the absence of cardiac rupture. Q wave Mis (espe cially anterior) are more frequently accompanied by pericardial effusion. T he prognostic significance of echocardiographically proved pericarditis is questionable.