It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Postpericardiotomy Syndrome, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Pleurisy.
Treatment of pleurisy is mainly determined by the cause. Bacterial causes can be treated with antibiotics while viral causes resolve on their own. Pain medication is administered to reliver symptoms. To determine if you have pleurisy and identify the cause, Several tests can aid in the diagnosis including a blood test to check for infection or autoimmune disorders. Imaging tests such as chest X-ray as well a CT scan and ultrasound are also helpful. Finally, a heart ECG or EKG can be done to check if there is any heart problem causing the chest pain.