Our patient's diagnosis has been well defined by bedside findings and non-invasive laboratory and echocardiography assessment. Additional non-invasive Imaging, such as CT or MRI, may be indicated if one needs to assess pericardial morphology.

Invasive diagnostic procedures are not indicated in our patient with a diagnosis of uncomplicated acute viral pericarditis, but may be indicated in other patients with pericardial disease.

Cardiac catheterization may be helpful in patients with pericardial effusion or thickening with equivocal Doppler echo findings. Measurement of cardiac hemodynamics will help to confirm the diagnosis of tamponade or constriction and decide whether pericardial drainage or stripping will benefit the patient. Coronary angiography prior to pericardial surgery may be indicated in selected patients.