Pericarditis at the crossroads: Unlocking the next wave of therapies

Abstract Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardial sac with different aetiologies. While often self-limited, up to 30 % of cases recur or become chronic, causing significant morbidity. Traditional treatments – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids – have important limitations, including steroid dependence, high recurrence rates, and side effects. Accordingly, new targeted immunomodulatory therapies are under investigation to improve outcomes in refractory pericarditis. This review outlines the epidemiology and burden of pericarditis, current management and its shortcomings, and