Pericardial Fluid Analysis in Recurrent Pericarditis
This clinical trial aims to examine the biochemical and cytological features of pericardial effusion during acute and recurrent pericarditis and to understand the molecular factors responsible for pathogenesis. The primary objective of this study is to identify and validate diagnostic criteria in pericardial fluid analysis that can differentiate patients with acute and recurrent pericarditis from those with only pericardial fluid but no inflammation.

This study will enroll patients with acute pericarditis who require pericardiocentesis for either diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Two control groups will also be included: one consisting of patients who need cardiac surgery with a collection of pericardial fluid, and the other consisting of patients who require pericardiocentesis for non-inflammatory pericardial effusion. The purpose of the study is to compare the cell activation status and cytokines present in pericardial fluid during acute pericarditis with those present during other pericardial pathologies.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Patients with acute idiopathic or post-cardiac injury pericarditis who require diagnostic or therapeutic pericardiocentesis (Interventional arm) Subjects with non-inflammatory pericardial effusion who require diagnostic or therapeutic pericardiocentesis (First control arm) Patients who undergo cardiac surgery that involves a pericardiotomy (Second control arm)  Exclusion Criteria:  Pregnancy or breastfeeding Ongoing infections, including active viral hepatitis or Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) positivity in the previous 21 days Systemic inflammatory disorders not attributable to pericarditis, excluding inflammatory diseases in remission Solid or haematological malignancies, ongoing or less than 6 months disease-free interval or anti-blastic chemotherapy (excluding the hormone therapy) Immunosuppressive therapy for reasons other than pericarditis treatment. Moderate-severe kidney failure (GFR < 30 ml/min) Moderate-severe liver failure (Child-Pug B or C), active hepatitis Diabetes mellitus Severe hypoproteinemia/malnutrition - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult - StudyPopulation: For the first two arms, patients from the primary care clinic (Emergency room department). For the third arm, patients who need to undergo cardiac surgery with pericardial sac involvement. - SamplingMethod: Non-Probability Sample