Myocarditis and pericarditis are increasingly encountered in clinical practice, yet their presentation can be subtle and sometimes challenging to diagnosis particularly in a rural setting. This session, “When the heart fights back: A modern approach to myocarditis and pericarditis,” provides a practical, case-based update tailored for rural clinicians.
We will explore key clinical features that should raise suspicion, including early diagnostic clues from history, examination, ECG, and biomarkers. Emphasis will be placed on differentiating benign presentations from those at risk of deterioration, with clear identification of red flags that warrant urgent escalation or transfer. The role of accessible investigations including troponin testing, echocardiography, and emerging imaging modalities will be discussed.
Management strategies will focus on evidence-based, real-world approaches, including initial stabilisation, pharmacological therapy and follow-up. Importantly, this session aims to simplify complex decision-making and provide clinicians with confidence in managing these conditions safely outside tertiary centres.
By the end, attendees will have a structured framework for recognising, investigating, and managing myocarditis and pericarditis, ensuring timely intervention and improved patient outcomes in rural practice.