Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of pericarditis?

• A. Night sweats
• B. Weight loss
• C. Pain relieved by sitting forward
• D. Fever

Answer: (C)

Pain relieved by sitting forward is a hallmark symptom of pericarditis. This condition involves inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, which typically results in sharp, pleuritic chest pain that may be exacerbated by lying flat or deep breathing. By contrast, patients often find relief when leaning forward, which reduces pressure on the pericardial sac and heart.

The other symptoms mentioned can occur in various conditions but are not as specifically associated with pericarditis. Night sweats and weight loss may indicate other systemic issues such as infections or malignancies. Fever can be present in pericarditis, especially if there’s an infectious cause, but it is a non-specific symptom and not as defining as the positional nature of the pain in pericarditis. Understanding these nuances helps differentiate pericarditis from other potential causes of chest pain.