Recurrent pericarditis.

Recurrent pericarditis is the most common and problematic complication of acute pericarditis. After acute pericarditis, the pericarditis recurs in 20 to 50% of the patients. In most cases the etiology of pericarditis remains unclear, although it is generally thought to arise by an immunological mechanism. NSAID medication in combination with colchicine is the cornerstone of the treatment. Corticosteroids should be used mainly for those in whom the first-line drug treatment is not sufficient or first-line treatments are contraindicated.