Pericardial Friction Rub

Introduction :

Pericardial friction rub is also known as pericardial rub. It is a sign on the precordial exam, detected by auscultation that suggests irritation of the pericardium and the diagnosis of pericarditis. The cause of this rub is that inflammation of the pericardial sac causes the parietal and visceral surfaces of the roughened pericardium to rub against each other. This rubbing produces an extra cardiac sound of to-and-fro character with both systolic and diastolic components. When heard carefully one, two, or three components of a pericardial friction rub may be audible. While hearing a three-component rub indicates the presence of pericarditis and serves to distinguish a pericardial rub from a pleural friction rub, which ordinarily has two components. The sound of a pericardial rub resembles the sound of squeaky leather and is often described as grating, scratching, or rasping. The sound of this particular rub seems very close to the ear and may seem louder than or may even mask the other heart sounds. If you want to hear these rubs then the best place is between the apex and sternum but may be widespread. The sound is comprised of three parts: Two diastolic, and one systolic.

Symptoms :
When we are talking about the symptoms of Pericardial rub then Chest pain is the cardinal symptom. To describe the pain it can be said that it is sharp, dull, aching, burning, or pressing. The intensity of the pain varies from barely perceptible to severe. The person may also have fever. Infants can also feel abdominal pain.

Causes :
It is important to know about the main causes of pericarditis and mostly they are the infections in the body. Kidney infections and other metastatic diseases are the most common causes of Pericardial rub. If a person is having kidney problems it would cause toxins in the body to build up because wastes are not properly excreted. It is also important to note that people who have had a history of heart attacks are at a higher risk of developing pericarditis. People who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are also prone to acquiring it. Tuberculosis can also lead to this disease. Certain medical procedures and processes could also cause pericarditis.

Treatment :
To cure pericardial rub the drugs usually prescribed as the ones that can reduce the inflammation. The person has to take right dose of aspirin which is considered an effective initial therapy. If common drugs don’t help then probably steroids may be given.