Which physical finding is classic for pericarditis on examination?

Which physical finding is classic for pericarditis on examination?

• A. Friction rub
• B. Systolic murmur
• C. Pleural rub
• D. Basilar crackles

Answer: (A)

Inflammation of the lining around the heart causes the two inflamed pericardial surfaces to rub together during the heartbeat, producing a distinctive friction rub. This is a high-pitched, scratchy sound best heard at the left lower sternal border, with the patient leaning forward and during expiration. It may show as three audible components corresponding to different phases of the cardiac cycle. This finding is the telltale clue for pericarditis, whereas a systolic murmur points to valve disease, a pleural rub signals pleuritis, and basilar crackles suggest pulmonary edema or consolidation rather than pericardial inflammation.

Inflammation of the lining around the heart causes the two inflamed pericardial surfaces to rub together during the heartbeat, producing a distinctive friction rub. This is a high-pitched, scratchy sound best heard at the left lower sternal border, with the patient leaning forward and during expiration. It may show as three audible components corresponding to different phases of the cardiac cycle. This finding is the telltale clue for pericarditis, whereas a systolic murmur points to valve disease, a pleural rub signals pleuritis, and basilar crackles suggest pulmonary edema or consolidation rather than pericardial inflammation.