[A young man with recurrent chest pain].

BACKGROUND

Pericarditis is seen quite often in daily clinical practice. It is a condition that is fairly easy to diagnose, but which frequently recurs.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 23-year-old man suffered from recurring episodes of chest pain which, following further investigation, appeared to be a result of pericarditis. MRI revealed indications for acute exacerbation of chronic pericarditis. Additional investigation showed no underlying cause for the pericarditis. After long-term medication with calcium carbasalate and colchicine there was no recurrence and the patient was able to function as before.

CONCLUSION

Chest pain in young people can be a symptom of pericarditis. This condition quite often recurs, but in most patients no underlying cause is revealed. Adequate medication with calcium carbasalate and colchicine reduces the chance of recurrence.