What treatment is indicated for a patient diagnosed with acute pericarditis?

The treatment indicated for a patient diagnosed with acute pericarditis is indomethacin (Indocin), which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The primary goal in managing acute pericarditis is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Indomethacin is effective in decreasing the inflammatory response in the pericardium, thereby addressing both the pain and the underlying inflammatory process.

This choice aligns with established treatment protocols that recommend NSAIDs as first-line therapy for acute pericarditis, particularly for cases that are uncomplicated. In addition to indomethacin, other NSAIDs may also be used, but indomethacin is a widely recognized option in clinical settings.

In contrast, pericardiocentesis is typically reserved for cases of cardiac tamponade or when there is significant fluid accumulation causing hemodynamic instability, rather than as a primary treatment for acute pericarditis itself. Nitroglycerin is primarily used for angina or myocardial infarction and does not address pericarditis directly. Percutaneous coronary intervention is utilized for coronary artery disease and is not applicable to pericarditis. Therefore, indomethacin is the appropriate choice for its anti-inflammatory effectiveness in acute