In simple words: Viral pericarditis is an infection around the heart caused by a virus. It can cause chest pain, fever, tiredness, and trouble breathing. Doctors diagnose it with a physical exam, heart tracing (ECG), and ultrasound of the heart.Treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory medications. In serious cases, a procedure to drain fluid from around the heart may be needed.

Viral pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, caused by a viral infection.Symptoms may include sharp chest pain, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis involves physical examination, ECG, echocardiogram, and sometimes serologic tests or cardiac enzyme tests. Treatment typically includes NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain.In severe cases with cardiac tamponade (fluid buildup around the heart), pericardiocentesis may be necessary.

Example 1: A 25-year-old patient presents with sharp chest pain that worsens when lying down, accompanied by fever and fatigue.Following an ECG and echocardiogram showing pericardial inflammation, and with no other apparent cause, the physician diagnoses viral pericarditis and prescribes NSAIDs., A patient recovering from a respiratory viral infection develops chest pain and shortness of breath.Diagnostic tests reveal fluid buildup around the heart, indicating cardiac tamponade secondary to viral pericarditis. Pericardiocentesis is performed to relieve the pressure on the heart., A patient with a history of autoimmune disease experiences chest pain.After extensive testing, including ruling out other cardiac conditions and infections,viral pericarditis is diagnosed as the most likely cause due to mild pericardial inflammation observed on echocardiography. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and inflammation.

Documentation for viral pericarditis should include:1. Patient's presenting symptoms (chest pain characteristics, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath).2. Physical examination findings.3. Results of diagnostic tests (ECG, echocardiogram, blood tests if performed).4. Treatment plan, including medications and any procedures.5. Follow-up care and response to treatment.