NONSPECIFIC BENIGN PERICARDITIS

Abstract

When an essentially benign disease is confused with a malady which has grave prognostic implications, the patient suffers. This statement is particularly potent when so-called nonspecific benign pericarditis is given the far more ominous label of coronary thrombosis. The emotional trauma, the alteration of life and the economic strain which are natural consequences of diagnosis of coronary thrombosis should not be inflicted on any patient without true cause. Since on casual evaluation there are many similarities between the two conditions and since there continues to be confusion in establishing the correct diagnosis, it seems appropriate to emphasize again the particular characteristics of nonspecific benign pericarditis and its differentiation from coronary thrombosis. In 1933 Bing¹reported a type of acute pericarditis not previously identified. The term epidemic pericarditis was used by him to imply its probable infectious nature. Willius²in 1934 reported a group of patients with acute serofibrinous